State and city elected officials gathered at Pope John Paul II Park in Neponset on Aug. 12 for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a $600,000 playground project that has transformed the state-owned outdated structure, built in 2001. Construction of the project began in April 2021 and was completed in July.
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Jim Montgomery was joined by Kathleen Theoharides, Gov. Charlie Baker’s secretary of energy and environmental affairs, Acting Mayor Kim Janey, State Rep. Dan Hunt and District 3 City Councillor Frank Baker.
“Parks play a critical role in making our communities more sustainable and resilient against climate change. These open spaces are an example of how we can create opportunities despite the challenges that we face from climate change. I am so excited to add another place where our children can play freely and parents can feel safe,” said Janey.
The playground is now equipped with new state-of-the art play areas and surfacing, new fencing and entrance gates, installation of fencing and two gate entrances, upgraded rubber safety surfaces, new bike racks, fully-accessible pathways, repaired curb ramps and other accessibility features, and fresh landscaping.
“A household name in the neighborhood, the Pope John Paul II Playground at the Neponset River Greenway is an important urban recreational area for all of Dorchester,” said Montgomery.
“Importantly, the Baker-Polito Administration remains committed to enhancing the Commonwealth’s invaluable environmental, cultural, and recreational resources, and today’s ribbon cutting serves as a great example of these efforts.”
“Local parks such as neighborhood playgrounds provide important opportunities for children and their families to get outside and socialize, play, and live a healthy, active lifestyle,” added Theoharides.
“Pope John Paul II Reservation and this new playground serves as an important space for the local neighborhood, and investing in these resources advances critical priorities for the Baker-Polito Administration, including improving community resources and expanding access to outdoor recreational assets.”
The original Pope John Paul II Playground was built by the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) in 2001. After hearing safety concerns from community members and local elected officials, DCR kicked-off a public outreach campaign in fall 2019, incorporating feedback from neighbors in the new playground’s design process.
“I am grateful for the DCR’s investment of a brand new playground at the Pope John Paul II Park,” said Hunt (D-Dorchester).
“After a trying year and a half, much of it spent cooped up indoors, it is more important than ever to have clean and safe space for our children, families and residents to enjoy outdoors.”
“This brand-new children’s playground at Pope John Paul II Park is a welcome addition and will bring enormous value to our neighborhood,” said Baker.
“I am grateful to DCR and to our leaders at the state level for working together on this significant investment and I am looking forward to seeing the playground utilized for many years to come by the residents and children of Dorchester and beyond.”
