MAYOR WALSH, PARKS DEPARTMENT REOPEN TWO HYDE PARK PLAYGROUNDS IN $1 MILLION INVESTMENT

 

MAYOR WALSH, PARKS DEPARTMENT REOPEN TWO HYDE PARK PLAYGROUNDS IN $1 MILLION INVESTMENT

BOSTON - Monday, November 9, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods announced this week the unveiling of recent improvements at two playgrounds in Hyde Park, Amatucci Playground at 1460 Hyde Park Avenue and Stonehill Park at 25 Stonehill Road. The budget for each facility was approximately $500,000. The projects were funded by Mayor Walsh's Capital Improvement Plan.  "These investments in Hyde Park are part of Boston's plan to provide quality green spaces for all residents, and play spaces for the children of our city," said Mayor Walsh. "We encourage families to follow social distancing guidelines and enjoy some fresh air and exercise at these two newly improved playgrounds before the winter weather sets in." Improvements shared by both facilities include new play equipment and resilient safety surfacing, open lawn areas, site furniture and fencing, and tree plantings. The parks feature swings and separate play structures for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12 with a wide variety of activities such as puzzles, climbing nets, slides, rope bridges, and multi-level ramps and platforms.  Improvements unique to Stonehill include improved lighting and incorporation of a previously existing nature-themed stone and concrete sculptural piece into the playground. The structure is accompanied by instructions encouraging climbing by children and features whimsical handholds that include seashell and turtle shapes. The playground also includes a Cozy Cocoon especially designed for children with autism spectrum disorders. The unit features an enclosed space for a child to escape the playground when over-stimulated and interior textures and molded-in features for tactile exploration. The improvements at Amatucci feature two age-appropriate play structures, a Spinami upright spinning whirl accommodating several kids at once, a swing set for multiple ages and abilities, a water bubbler, and a trio of tables with accompanying seating.  Since 2014, the Walsh administration has invested more than $114 million across the city's parks systems, representing some of the most significant parks investments in Boston's history. The Fiscal Year 2021-2025 (FY21-FY25) Capital Plan includes enhanced support to maintain the City's Urban Wilds and Tree Canopy, increases in funding to plant and maintain trees across the city, as well as $36 million for new and ongoing open space projects. For current social distancing guidelines in City of Boston parks please visit www.boston.gov/news/coronavirus-covid-19-updates-boston-parks-and-recreation. ###  New and improved play equipment at Stonehill Park includes a climbing boulder and a special seat for children with autism spectrum disorders.  Two state-of-the-art play structures were recently opened at Amatucci Playground in Hyde Park.