Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Invests Approximately $9 Million in Improvements to DCR Recreation Spaces in Mattapan and Hyde Park

Boston — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced the start of construction on several recreation projects in Mattapan and Hyde Park. This marks a significant commitment to enhancing green spaces, improving access to the Neponset River, and supporting the health and vitality of the local environmental justice communities. These projects include nearly $9 million in improvements to the Edgewater Greenway, which includes the Kennedy Playground and Ryan Bathhouse in Mattapan as well as Doyle Park in Hyde Park.

“These projects are an investment in the future of these neighborhoods,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “By revitalizing our parks and green spaces, we’re not only improving recreational opportunities but also strengthening community connections, improving the health and well-being of two underserved communities, expanding access to nature, and making these spaces more resilient to climate change. We’re eager to see these transformations and their lasting impact on residents and families in the Mattapan and Hyde Park communities.”

The Edgewater Greenway, a 0.5-mile trail stretching from Kennedy Playground to Osceola Street along the northern bank of the Neponset River, is a key component of revitalizing Mattapan’s riverfront. The approximately 3-acre site has been vacant and underutilized for years. This $6 million improvement project will create an 8-foot-wide ADA-accessible trail with new fitness equipment, offering new recreational opportunities for the community, river views, and spaces for environmental education. In addition to the trail, native plantings will help mitigate climate change, provide shade, and enhance the habitat along the length of the corridor. The project also includes raised planters near the Kennedy Community Gardens, replacement of the existing canoe launch, benches, two overlook decks, and new lights throughout the park.  

As part of this project, DCR will also be making significant improvements to Kennedy Playground, including new shade shelters and other amenities, including a picnic pavilion that will create a sustainable, welcoming space for kids and their families to play and enjoy. The improvements to Kennedy Playground and the Greenway will transform the site into a recreation hub for the Mattapan community.

DCR is also investing $800,000 to renovate the bathhouse at Ryan Park, which will include a new enclosed lifeguard station, enhancing safety and accessibility. Additionally, DCR is in the design phase of future improvements to the playground and park that will introduce new playground equipment, fitness stations, improved circulation, a performance stage, basketball courts and updated parking. In July 2024, DCR unveiled a new expanded wading pool – a more than $2 million improvement project for the park that doubled the size of the pool, installed new benches, shade pavilions and rubber surfacing that will help cool down the space for the community during the summer heat. The upcoming improvements will make Ryan Park a more inclusive space for the community to enjoy year-round.

Additionally, Doyle Park in Hyde Park will undergo a $1.6 million transformation with plans to replace the asphalt with play lawns, a community gathering space, and the start of a new trail along the river. The project will also include removing invasive species and restoring the area with native plants, supporting a thriving ecosystem and providing a peaceful green space for residents.

“We’re incredibly excited to see Commissioner Arrigo, DCR, and the administration make targeted investments in our communities, promoting public health, climate resilience and quality of life,” said State Senator Liz Miranda (D-Roxbury). “Improving our built environment and access to open and green space is essential for environmental justice communities like ours.”

“These improvements to our parks and green spaces are a direct investment in our community’s health, safety, and quality of life,” said State Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid (D-Mattapan). “For too long, our neighborhoods have been overlooked when it comes to environmental justice and equitable access to outdoor spaces. The commitment from the Healey-Driscoll Administration and DCR is a step toward righting that wrong—ensuring that families in Mattapan and Hyde Park have safe, beautiful, and resilient places to gather, play, and connect with nature. I’m grateful for this dedication to our community and look forward to seeing these spaces transformed for generations to come.”

“Thank you to DCR for this important and long-awaited investment in the Hyde Park community,” said State Rep Rob Consalvo (D- Hyde Park).  “A special shout out to all the community leaders, neighborhood associations, non-profits and neighbors who have worked tirelessly to make this a reality.”

These projects are part of DCR’s ongoing efforts to create a more connected, sustainable, and accessible network of parks and trails throughout Massachusetts, especially in environmental justice communities. By investing in these spaces, DCR is improving recreational access and protecting natural resources for future generations.

For more information about these projects and other DCR initiatives, please visit Mass.gov/DCR. 

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