MassInsider

Contact: Jayne Wellman, Assistant Town Manager Administrative & Public Services Department

Email: jwellman@readingma.gov (781) 942-6637

(READING, MA – October 28, 2025) – Town Manager Matt Kraunelis is pleased to announce that Reading is a

recipient of a $100,000 Small Town PARC Grant.

These funds, awarded by the Governor and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, are part

of the PARC (Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities) grant program, which helps cities and

towns create and renovate outdoor recreation areas.

For Reading, the use of these funds includes the development of a series of six to seven pickleball courts in

partnership with the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL), the Town’s future community and senior

center. The ReCAL project was approved by voters in May of 2025, with construction slated to begin in early

2026.

“Improved access to outdoor recreation space is a priority in Reading, and this grant fills an important step

towards that goal,” said Mr. Kraunelis. “Thank you to Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

Secretary Rebecca Tepper, the Governor, the Reading delegation, the Select Board and Town professional staff

for their work on securing this, and to the PARC selection committee who embraced the vision of our new

intergenerational destination in Reading.”

The full press release can be seen here:

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $12 Million to Create &

Improve Local Parks and Protect Natural Land Across Massachusetts.

Reading Awarded $100,000 Small Town PARC Grant