- Department of Conservation & Recreation
Media Contact
Peter Jasinski, DCR Press Secretary
East BOSTON — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today celebrated the official opening of a new playground at Constitution Beach in East Boston, following a more than $1 million project to replace aging play structures with a new, more modern, accessible space for children and families.
“Playgrounds are vital spaces where kids learn, grow, develop important skills, and build connections with each other and the outdoors,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “This newly updated playground reflects DCR’s commitment to creating accessible, welcoming, and resilient spaces for families across Massachusetts. We’re excited to open this play space, and we hope it will bring smiles, fun and exploration to kids for years to come.”
The $1.1 million project replaces the existing playground equipment, originally installed in 2000 and worn down due to the coastal environment. The new equipment uses hot-dipped galvanized materials designed to withstand coastal conditions and reduce long-term maintenance needs. The new playground features a poured-in-place rubber surface that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB) standards, improving access for visitors of all abilities.
“The Constitution Beach Playground is an exciting and long-awaited upgrade for the East Boston community,” said State Senator Lydia Edwards. “This newly designed play space—full of colorful, modern, and imaginative features—offers families an accessible place to enjoy the park, watch planes take off, and ride their bikes along the greenway. I’d like to thank the Department of Conservation and Recreation for bringing this vision to life and for ensuring that children of all ages and abilities have access to a safe and fun place to play.”
"I'm excited to see the new playground at Constitution Beach open, but not as excited as my two young boys!" said State Representative Adrian Madaro. "Residents of all ages have eagerly awaited the renovation of this play area, and these modernized play structures will be the backdrop for a new generation of play and childhood memories."
Designed with a coastal theme to reflect its beach setting, the new play structures support a range of activities for children ages 2 to 12, including climbing, swinging, rocking, spinning, and spaces for quieter play. Kids can challenge themselves on the large climbers or find a quiet space to reflect, try a puzzle, or relax on the hammock.
The new project also expanded accessible parking, replaced the site’s water bubbler, and relocated the playground farther from the shoreline, allowing for a new coastal dune that will help protect the beach from erosion.
Investing in improving accessibility for recreational resources in the state park system is a key priority of the Healey-Driscoll Administration. The Healey-Driscoll Administration Mass Ready Act includes $764 million for improvements to DCR infrastructure including playgrounds, parks and campgrounds.
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Media Contact
Department of Conservation & Recreation
The health and happiness of people across Massachusetts depends on the accessibility and quality of our natural resources, recreational facilities, and great historic landscapes. DCR continues to improve the vital connection between people and the environment.