Roxbury's Edna V. Bynoe Playground has received a significant makeover, much to the delight of locals. The revamped space, which honors a storied community leader, now includes a splash pad and updated play equipment. The project was not small change - it amounted to $1.12 million in upgrades that include a new shaded seating area designed for reprieve from the summer heat.
The renovation is more than just an aesthetic upgrade – it's an homage to a vital community figure, Edna V. Bynoe. "We're so proud to have partnered with neighborhood leaders, family, and community members to make this park worthy of Ms. Edna Bynoe's legacy," Mayor Michelle Wu stated in celebration of the completed project, according to a report from boston.gov. The space is intended as a place of connection for generations to come, imbued with the spirit of its namesake.
The late Edna V. Bynoe was renowned in her role as an advocate for the Orchard Park Housing Development and her tireless work in public service. Notably, Bynoe's efforts led to significant changes like the Orchard Gardens Pilot School and the renaming of Orchard Park to Orchard Gardens. The Park Department, alongside over 200 community members, dedicated the park in her honor back in 2010 at the behest of then-Mayor Thomas M. Menino.
This latest update to the park features new amenities like water play areas, updated children's play equipment complete with safety surfacing, and café-style seating. Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods shared his enthusiasm for the project, noting, "There's nothing better than seeing kids enjoy this brand new play area and splash pad on a hot summer day like today," according to a boston.gov report. The renovations come courtesy of BSC Group's design and Sciaba Construction Corporation's handiwork and were funded with a $1,120,000 construction budget.
Prioritizing community involvement, the design and development phases relied heavily on resident feedback obtained through public meetings and surveys since spring 2021. BHA Administrator Kenzie Bok paid tribute to Bynoe and her sister, Valerie Shelley, as exemplary public housing resident leaders whose legacy lives on in the community. "Edna and Val are always missed by the Boston Housing Authority community and we thank the Bynoe family for sharing them with us," Bok shared, as reported by boston.gov.
