Several South End Parks Slated for Improvements

presented his proposed five-year $1.8-billion capital plan Wednesday at Adams Park Roslindale. 

“Adams Park is a great example of how our capital plan works to bring people together. With this plan, every resident is within a 10-minute walk to the nearest project,” said Menino. “Just as important as investing in buildings is investing in programs and places where neighbors can come together to have fun and connect with each other. I’m excited that this capital plan makes play a priority.”

"Play" is certainly a priority at Ringgold Park, as the Mayor's plan calls for the replacement of play equipment at the site.

Childe Hassam Park is also set for improvements to pathways, benches and landscaping under the plan.

City officials highlighted there are 95 parks improvement projects, accounting for more than ¼ of all capital projects with an expected cost of $90 million. Adams Park will receive upgrades including a permanent band platform and electrical system, new walkways, and landscaping in the next year.

Boston’s $1.8-billion five-year capital plan features $217 million worth of new project authorizations in 2013.

Capital projects in parks include:

• Total park overhauls at American Legion Park in East Boston and Hunt/Almont Park in Mattapan
• Replacing play equipment and safety surfacing at Joyce Playground in Brighton, Mothers Rest in Fenway, Ringgold Park in the South End, and Doherty Playground in Charlestown
• Replacing playing courts (basketball and street hockey) at Harambee Park in Mattapan, Savin Hill Park in Dorchester, and Moakley Park in South Boston
• Improving drainage on playing fields at Healy Field in Roslindale, Mission Hill Field, Billings Field in West Roxbury, and M Street Field in South Boston
• Installing lighting controls on flood lights on playing fields, so they can shut off automatically
• General improvements to pathways, landscaping, benches, etc., at Childe Hassam Park in the South End, Brighton Square Park, and Highland Park in Roxbury.

Additional significant capital projects slated for funding in FY 2013 include:

• Redesign and Reinvest: Infrastructure upgrades for City roadways and buildings, including 40 miles of roadway reconstruction to facilities in neighborhood schools, community centers, and libraries. A new East Boston branch library will break ground later this month.
• The Dudley Plan: The revitalization of Dudley Square, a $115-million development project that will revitalize the historic Ferdinand building and bring new people, businesses, and economic opportunity to Dudley Square. The project broke ground this spring and is expected to be completed in Fall 2014.

“Careful planning and thoughtful decisions – in many cases very difficult decisions – over the last several years have positioned Boston for greater success as economic recovery takes hold,” added Menino. “By investing in people and programs, as well as infrastructure, we continue to build a better Boston."