Press Release  DCR Announces New Executive Director, Previews New Improvements of Roxbury’s Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center

Boston — As part of the agency’s commitment to provide fun and safe recreational opportunities for kids and families, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced significant investments in the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center. DCR also hired Chris Sumner as executive director to manage the Center, Roxbury Heritage State Park, and the Dillaway-Thomas House. Sumner brings strong connections to the Roxbury community and decades of experience leading youth, young adult, family and senior-focused nonprofits.  

As the Healey-Driscoll Administration committed to the community, the pool and multi-purpose room were open to the public throughout the summer season. Today’s announcements come ahead of the Center’s soft reopening of the arena on Saturday to permit holders, who host recreational programming for local families. 

Known as a “son of Roxbury,” Sumner has more than 30 years of experience in community relations, executive management, operations and program development. He previously served as the executive director or chief operations executive at the Saint Stephens Youth Development Programs, the Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Community Corps Center, the Boston Ten Point Coalition, Blue Hills Boys and Girls Club, Wheelock College, and the “I Have A Dream” Foundation of Boston. Sumner also serves as Executive Pastor of the Jubilee Christian Church in Mattapan. Under his direction, the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center will reopen with several upgrades including new interpretive materials to highlight the area’s rich cultural history.  

“For more than 50 years, the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center has been an anchor for the Roxbury community, bringing together neighbors, friends and families of all ages for safe recreation. We are thrilled to welcome Chris Sumner to DCR to build on that legacy,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “His extensive background in community-focused programming and his deep connection to Roxbury make him the ideal leader for this unique complex of facilities. With his guidance, we are confident that the entire complex will become an even more vital resource for the community.” 

The three properties make up a 2.5-acre recreational facility that hosts a 33,000 square foot climate-controlled indoor arena and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a spray deck, named for famed Boston civil rights activist Melnea A. Cass and the only facility of this kind in the DCR portfolio. The properties also include Roxbury Heritage State Park, a one-acre space with views of the Boston skyline and the historic Dillaway-Thomas House, one of Roxbury’s oldest surviving buildings. Together, the complex offers a blend of year-round sports and recreational opportunities, complemented by interpretive programming and materials showcasing Roxbury’s rich history. The recreation center’s programming aimed at the neighborhood’s young people and seniors reflects many of Melnea A. Cass’s passions which included advocating for families and the elderly. 

“My vision for the complex is to create a vibrant, welcoming space where every individual—whether a child, a senior, or a young adult—feels valued and inspired. I want these properties to be more than just a collection of facilities; I want it to be a hub of activity, learning, and connection that truly reflects the spirit of Roxbury,” said Executive Director Chris Sumner. “I am eager to engage with the community and hear their ideas and needs. Together, we will work to make the complex a true cornerstone of Roxbury—where people come together, connect, and grow.” 

As the new executive director, Sumner brings a visionary approach to enhancing and expanding the complex's impact. Sumner plans to leverage the recent investments and upgrades to foster a more interactive and accessible environment at all of these properties, promoting a sense of belonging for everyone. His vision includes expanding and diversifying programming to cater to all ages and interests, from educational workshops and athletic leagues to cultural events and social gatherings. Strengthening partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses is also a key part of his strategy, aiming to support and enhance community engagement.  

Saturday’s soft opening will reveal a series of key improvements to the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center including:

• New Athletic Floor: A state-of-the-art surface to support a wide range of sports and recreational activities.
• New Athletic Equipment: Upgraded gear to meet the needs of the Center’s diverse athletic programs.
• IT – WiFi Network: Enhanced connectivity for a more integrated and accessible experience.
• New Entrance Lobby Floor: A fresh and welcoming floor for all visitors.Additionally, work on the following improvements is underway:
• New Entrance Sign: A digital sign to welcome guests to the Melnea A. Cass Center and to share announcements with the community. 
• Arena Sound System: Upgraded audio equipment improving the sound during events.
• Arena Operations: New wall padding and curtains for safety and aesthetics.
• IT – Monitors: Technology to support educational and community programming.
• New Interpretive Paneling: New historical interpretive paneling will tell the story of the Complex and its namesake, Melnea A. Cass  notifying the public of the work and updates on the reopening.  
• New Multi-Purpose Room Floor: Improved flooring to accommodate various events and activities. 

Additionally, work on the following improvements is underway:

• New Entrance Sign: A digital sign to welcome guests to the Melnea A. Cass Center and to share announcements with the community. 
• Arena Sound System: Upgraded audio equipment improving the sound during events.
• Arena Operations: New wall padding and curtains for safety and aesthetics.
• IT – Monitors: Technology to support educational and community programming.
• New Interpretive Paneling: New historical interpretive paneling will tell the story of the Complex and its namesake, Melnea A. Cass  

The final phase of this improvement project at the facility will include: 

• New Roof: A newly repaired arena roof that will include solar panels expected to produce 220,538 kW of energy a year.
• New Garage Door: New roll-up garage door at the arena to allow for improved access for large equipment and vehicles. 

“I am excited to celebrate the soft opening of the newly revamped Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center. These significant improvements reflect our dedication to enhancing recreational opportunities for all residents,” said Senator Liz Miranda. “I invite everyone to explore the upgraded facilities, which will serve as a vital hub for sports, events, and community gatherings. Together, we are building a brighter future for the Second Suffolk district.” 

“It's our duty as elected officials to ensure that the assets in our community are available and accessible,” said Rep. Chynah Tyler “With that, it's my honor to have collaborated with Govenor Healey and the DCR leadership team to resurface this high-quality recreational center for our community. The upgrades are truly impressive and I look forward to increasing the usage of the Melnea Cass Center.” 

Earlier this year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration temporarily closed the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center to use the space as a temporary overflow site for homeless families. During this time, DCR worked with the City of Boston, Sen. Liz Miranda and Rep. Chynah Tyler, community athletic centers, and local colleges to relocate the permit holders. When the property was turned back over to DCR at the end of May, the agency began working on the planned improvements, while ensuring the pool and spray deck opened in time for the for the summer season. To celebrate the opening of DCR pools, DCR hosted a community event at the Melnea A. Cass Center Pool on June 22 with music, food from Nubian Markets, games, and an animal show from Mass Audubon.  

The new investments at the Melnea A.Cass Recreation Center will offer enhanced spaces and improved amenities that will benefit the entire community. The Center will reopen to permit holders on Saturday, September 21 and DCR will host a grand reopening to the public later this fall. While improvements are underway at the recreation center signage will be posted around the facility notifying the public of the work and updates on the reopening.  

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