For the operation of the division of state parks and recreation; provided, that funds appropriated in this item shall be used to: (i) operate all of the division's parks, parkways, boulevards, roadways, bridges and related appurtenances under the care, custody and control of the division, flood control activities of the division, reservations, campgrounds, beaches and pools; (ii) oversee skating rinks; and (iii) protect and manage the division's lands and natural resources, including the forest and parks conservation services and the bureau of forestry development; provided further, that all properties that were open in fiscal year 2026 shall be open in fiscal year 2027; provided further, that the crossing guards located at department of conservation and recreation intersections shall continue to perform the duties where state police previously performed such duties; provided further, that the division may issue grants to public and nonpublic entities from this item; provided further, that the rinks under the control of the department shall remain open and staffed for the full rink season and that ice skating shall be available from September 1 through April 15 of the following year; provided further, that local youth programs and nonprofits get first preference in scheduling on all playfields and hockey rinks operated by the department; provided further, that additional funds shall be expended to address the needs of state parks in all regions of the commonwealth; provided further, that not later than February 3, 2027 the department shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on: (A) the status of hiring for additional staffing; (B) the staffing levels for the previous 10 fiscal years; and (C) the average staffing level at each park; provided further, that not more than $3,300,000 may be used to support the costs of snow and ice removal; provided further, that the department shall take steps to address personnel needs in a manner that is geographically equitable; provided further, that not later than January 29, 2027, the department shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means detailing the hires made for division personnel in fiscal year 2027; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law, rule, regulation or administrative directive to the contrary, the commissioner of conservation and recreation may fill not more than 1,300 full--time positions; and provided further, that not less than $350,000 shall be expended for a study, in consultation with the city of Boston and the town of Brookline, to evaluate and develop solutions to mitigate low water levels in the Muddy river
