SECTION 1.  The city of Springfield, acting by and through its city council, with the approval of its mayor, may transfer control of a certain parcel of land known to be part of Ruth Elizabeth Park to the department of public works for the purpose of improvements to Hickory street, including 2-way traffic and the installation of sidewalks on both sides of the street, to provide safer circulation patterns and pedestrian access, as part of the Central street traffic improvement project.  The parcel of land to be transferred contains approximately 0.054 acres, and is shown as the “Conversion Parcel” on a plan entitled “Plan of Proposed Conversion and Acquisition” by GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., Engineers and Scientists, referred to in this act as the plan.

SECTION 2.  In consideration for the transfer authorized in section 1, the city of Springfield shall acquire and dedicate, and the Springfield park commission shall accept, approximately 0.802 acres of replacement park land consisting of Acquisition Parcels A, B, and C, as shown on the plan, which shall thereafter become part of Ruth Elizabeth Park.

SECTION 3.  This act shall take effect upon its passage.