News from the Mayor’s Office:
Mayor Thomas M. Menino will join North End residents for a Neighborhood Coffee Hour and the official unveiling of more than $900,000 in improvements at DeFilippo Playground, the “Gassy,” on Friday, June 22, at 9:30 a.m.
The annual Coffee Hours give residents a unique opportunity to speak with Mayor Menino one-on-one about open space and other needs in their neighborhoods. Through these discussions and a suggestion box at each site, Mayor Menino looks forward to hearing how the City of Boston can improve upon local playgrounds, public areas, and city services.
All participants will enjoy coffee and healthy breakfast treats provided by Dunkin’ Donuts. In addition, each family in attendance will receive a flowering plant grown in the city’s greenhouses as a gift from Mayor Menino. Residents at the event will also be eligible to win a raffle prize package including a Dunkin’ Donuts gift basket.
The reopening of DeFilippo Playground, located at 135 Prince Street in the North End, highlights the Mayor’s commitment to the parks and open spaces in Boston. The total design and construction cost of $933,000 was provided by Mayor Menino’s Capital Improvement Program.
Playground improvements include replacement of the existing play structure, new toddler bucket swings, and a seating and gathering area. The fenced area has been enlarged to create a more open feeling in the play area. A new conversation area has also been added along Prince Street for passive recreation.
Wall improvements have opened up the existing brick wall along Snow Hill Street with brick pillars and ornamental metal fencing to increase visibility and light into the park. The wall was redesigned to improve safety within the park and provide increased visual appeal.
The reopening celebration will include face painting, live music, and refreshments provided by H.P. Hood LLC, the official dairy sponsor for the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s 2012 park openings. For more information on the reopening event, please call the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at (617) 635-4505.
Wonderful looking equipment. Note the lack of a sandbox and more fun play items. Food for future thought at Christopher Columbus Park.