Boston: Mayor Wu and Parks and Recreation Department Celebrate Improvements to Crawford Street Playground

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~ Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, along with Chief Climate Officer and Interim Parks Commissioner Brian Swett, joined elected officials and Roxbury residents on Monday for the grand opening of the newly renovated Crawford Street Playground. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of a $2 million investment in the park, which now boasts new play equipment, a splash pad, and a community gathering space.

In her remarks, Mayor Wu expressed her excitement for the improvements made to the beloved park. "The renovations to Crawford Street Playground will elevate this space and provide improved facilities for generations to come," she said. "We are thrilled to unveil these investments that ensure Boston's parks remain accessible to all residents and promote recreation for people of all ages."

The updated park features a renovated little league field, a fully upgraded playground, new water play area, exercise equipment, and shade shelters. It also includes drinking fountains, permanent game tables, and a trike and walking loop in the lower terrace to support recreation for people of all ages. Other upgrades include improved lighting throughout the park, accessible entrances, and a continuous route connecting the playground and fields.

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Chief Climate Officer and Interim Parks Commissioner Brian Swett also expressed his enthusiasm for the project. "We're excited to celebrate this major investment at Crawford Street Playground just in time for summer," he said. "From splash pads that help kids stay active and cool, to shaded structures that offer a break from the sun, this renovation reflects how climate-resilient design can enhance quality of life for all ages."

The design and development of Crawford Street Playground were heavily influenced by community feedback gathered through public meetings and surveys starting in fall 2021. Residents requested features such as water play areas, swings, designated spaces for adult exercise, permanent game tables for neighbors who often use the park to play dominoes, as well as a gathering space where people can watch games while keeping an eye on their children at the playground. The park's natural hillside was also creatively incorporated into the design.

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Funding for the $2 million project came from the City's five-year Capital Plan, with $160,000 allocated for design and $1,929,000 for construction. CBA Landscape Architects led the design work, and Fleming Brothers, Inc. completed the construction.

The nearby Ellis Elementary School also played a significant role in the project. Students and staff were active partners throughout the design process, with teachers providing insight on how the park could best serve their students and student input directly influencing the selection of play equipment and color palette. Principal Lemuel Ivy expressed his gratitude on behalf of the school community, saying, "Thank you for investing in our school community. The new playground is a fantastic addition that will benefit students for years to come, creating a space for joy, laughter, and growth."

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