By Michael Coughlin Jr.
Last week, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) held a public information meeting to discuss its plans to renovate the Constitution Beach Playground.
“We are very excited to renovate this playground. This is one of the playgrounds definitely identified that needs a renovation,” said Sandra Libby, a DCR Playground Planner.
Libby laid out several goals DCR wants to accomplish as part of the playground renovation.
These goals include improvements to safety, accessibility, and environmental impact, as well as increases in the number and types of play activities, shade, and maintainability, along with adding other site improvements and furnishings.
Libby explained that the current playground, which was built in 1999 and had a small renovation in 2015, has some equipment that is not in great condition.
As part of the renovation, DCR plans to use a poured-in-place rubber surface instead of the sand currently used at the playground. The playground will also feature an oceanic and coastal theme through the color of the poured-in-place rubber and the play equipment that features things like sea creatures.
Some examples of the equipment include slides, swings, and more. Additionally, the playground has been laid out so one side will house the equipment for kids ages 2 to 5 and the other for children ages 5 to 12.
“What’s really nice about this design is that a lot of it, most of it is accessible from ground level so that everybody can participate as much as they can,” said Libby.
The playground will also feature new entrances and will be fenced-in. To illustrate an example of the fence and new surface planned, Libby showed a photo of Paul Revere Playground.
The renovation will also provide other benefits, such as bike racks, a water fountain, and seating areas. Additionally, there are plans to add native plants to the site.
Following Libby’s presentation, there was time for questions from those who attended the meeting.
One attendee had asked about the poured-in-place rubber and wondered if sand would still be used because the plans showed blue and beige sand-like colors for the surface.
However, Libby said, “There will be no sand within the playground anymore.”
The same attendee asked about the location of the entrance and exits. “The two entrances are very much the same as what they are now,” said Libby.
“It’s just that we pulled the playground… we’ve pulled it away from the lefthand side of the area so that we can have the bubbler outside of the playground,” she added.
The attendee had a final question and wondered if there could be issues with importing equipment due to supply chain issues.
However, Libby explained that the company they would be working with to order the equipment is based in Minnesota.
Another attendee also had questions. They had asked if there were plans for benches for adults — which there are — and if the new design is larger than the existing one — which it is slightly.
As for the renovation’s timeline, the construction plans are slated to be completed this winter. Libby said she hopes to put in the playground equipment order this coming March, with construction beginning in late Summer of 2024 and opening later that Fall.
If you would like to view the meeting and the presentation, which features the plans for the renovated playground, you can visit www.mass.gov/dcr/past-public-meetings.
“I’m just very, very excited about this project. For me, it was definitely one on the list that really needed a renovation,” said Libby.