Boston's Roxbury neighborhood just got a hefty dose of community love with Mayor Michelle Wu presiding over the ribbon-cutting of the renovated Crawford Street Playground. Accompanied by Chief Climate Officer and Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Brian Swett, Wu heralded the $2 million overhaul as a boost for the area's recreational spaces. According to a city release, the festivities occurred during the Roxbury Neighborhood Coffee Hour on Monday.
The refresh includes a spruced-up little league field and a playground fully equipped with a new splash pad and community space. Swett expressed his enthusiasm for the park's summer-ready features, saying, "We’re excited to celebrate this major investment at Crawford Street Playground just in time for the summer season,” in a statement obtained by the city's news site. Despite the scorching sun, newly installed shade shelters and drinking fountains promise relief for visitors.
Reflecting the residents' voices, the park's enhancements were guided by inputs from public meetings and surveys that started back in fall 2021. The community's wishlist was loud and clear – water play areas, swings, and spaces for adult exercise were top priorities. As pointed out by Boston.gov, one of the site's unique features is a trike and walking loop that makes use of the park’s natural hillside incline.
The cost breakdown for the project, as detailed by Mayor Wu's office, put design expenses at $160,000, with construction costs ringing in at $1,929,000, all courtesy of the City’s five-year Capital Plan. But the project wasn't just about adult decisions; the nearby Ellis Elementary School got a say too. Principal Lemuel Ivy conveyed his gratitude, "On behalf of the David Ellis Elementary we wanted to thank the Parks and Recreation Department for allowing us the opportunity to help in the design and construction of the Crawford Street Playground", in a statement to the City of Boston.
Local engagement didn't stop there. Teachers and students were key players throughout the creative process, lending their insights to ensure the playground met the school community's needs. From selecting play equipment to choosing the color schemes and oceanic theme, the school's involvement anchored the project's community-centric vision. Fleming Brothers, Inc. sealed the deal with construction, wrapping up the playground just in time for new memories to be made on Crawford Street.
