Featured Photos & Videos

Neighborhood Photo: Bocce Courts at Langone Park

Work continues on the renovations to Langone and Puopolo Parks on Commercial Street. Maryann O’Brien shares these photos from Copps Hill Terrace of four bocce courts with two more on the way. Construction began in Summer 2019 on the project to renovate the parks which, in addition to the turf, includes adding open spaces, making the area more Read More…

Photos & Videos Sports

Neighborhood Photo: Turf Installation at Puopolo Field

The renovation project at Langone and Puopolo Parks has been full-steam ahead since construction projects were allowed to resume in May with new COVID-19 restrictions in place. In this photo, turf is being putting down on the Puopolo Field, which will be a multi-use field able to host baseball, softball, and soccer. The artificial turf Read More…

Photos & Videos

Neighborhood Photo: Construction Progress at Langone & Puopolo Parks

Langone Park (established 1973) and  Puopolo Playground (established 1893) along Commercial Street during the renovation. A steel beam mobile dangles in the overcast as a construction worker guides it to safety. Boulders are laid for the effects of rising sea level and storm protection. Photo and caption by Elizabeth Norton. Construction began last summer on a Read More…

Photos & Videos

Neighborhood Photo: Construction Resumes at Langone & Puopolo Parks

Renovation of the fields at Langone and Puopolo Parks along Commercial Street in Boston’s North End has recommenced as the state begins its gradual reopening. Massachusetts has entered phase one of the four-step plan to reopen the state following the shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting May 18, places of worship, manufacturing and construction Read More…

Photos & Videos

Neighborhood Photo: Construction Halted at Langone & Puopolo Parks

As of March 16, 2020, the City of Boston temporarily paused construction projects as part of the efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus. This includes the renovations of the Langone & Puopolo Fields in the North End along Commercial Street. Construction began last summer on a project to renovate the parks, putting in synthetic Read More…

Photos & Videos Sports

Neighborhood Photo: Last Grass at North End Ballfields

With the renovation project at Puopolo Fields underway, the large grass ballfields are being replaced with artificial turf. Resident MaryAnn O’Brien laments the changeover with this photo, saying “one of two grass spots (Columbus Park being the other) in the North End is being removed. It seems like a huge mistake to install artificial turf that Read More…

Event Notices Featured Health & Environment

Langone & Puopolo Parks Renovations to Begin July 1

The long awaited renovations of Langone Park and Puopolo Playground on Commercial Street in the North End are finally here! Work will begin the week of July 1, 2019. The Boston Parks & Recreation Department began the community process to propose improvements to the parks back in October 2017. Two final design concepts were publicly Read More…

Announcements Commentaries

Op-Ed: A Request to Reconsider Artificial Turf at Puopolo Park

North End resident John Modzelewski recently submitted a letter to Parks Commissioner Christopher Cook urging a reconsideration of the decision to use artificial turf at the soon-to-be-renovated Puopolo Park on Commercial Street. Read the letter in its entirety below. Click to enlarge. Read an earlier letter by Modzelewski to the project manager, as well as Read More…

Arts & Culture Community Featured Photos & Videos

2018 North End Christmas Parade Brings Santa by Helicopter [Photos]

The 47th North End Christmas Parade brought Santa to the neighborhood in first class fashion via his own helicopter. The chilly but sunny weather brought out hundreds to the waterfront’s Puopolo Field for Santa’s arrival followed by the Christmas Parade through the neighborhood streets. Two marching bands played holiday music while costumed characters took pictures with the kids. Read More…

Featured Kids & Families Sports

City to use Artificial Turf at Puopolo Fields in North End

Despite some opposition, artificial turf will be used at the Puopolo Fields on Commercial Street with natural grass remaining at Langone Park’s little league field, according to a community letter issued by Boston Parks Commissioner, Chris Cook. A stretch of natural grass will also be added along the Harborwalk for passive activities. The change will Read More…

Health & Environment Photos & Videos

Neighborhood Photo: Flooding at Puopolo Park

The grass vs. turf debate continues for Puopolo Park. John Romano points out that, when it rains, second base floods and the neighborhood baseball teams cannot play for three to five days. This has happened for many years. A turf field would eliminate the need to wait several days for the field to dry out. “Neighborhood Read More…

Community Meetings

Residents’ Association Voices Concerns About Artificial Turf at Langone & Puopolo Parks

Members of the North End/Waterfront Residents Association (NEWRA) expressed concerns about the planned use of artificial turf for Puopolo Park at the August NEWRA meeting. In May, the Boston Parks & Recreation Department presented their two design plans for the parks, which both include synthetic turf over grass on the multi-use field. At that community Read More…