Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Officially Opens New McMorrow Playground in Dorchester

DORCHESTER — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today celebrated the official opening of the newly renovated McMorrow Playground on Victory Road in Dorchester, following an investment of more than $1 million to replace the existing infrastructure and install new features.  

“Every child deserves a safe, welcoming place to play and spend time outside,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This investment gives families in Dorchester a newly renovated playground that is more accessible, has more opportunities for kids to play and will serve this neighborhood for years to come. We’re proud to keep investing in the parks and public spaces that bring communities together.” 

“Playgrounds are such an important part of a neighborhood — they’re where kids play, families spend time together and communities connect,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The new McMorrow Playground is a great example of how we can make these spaces safer and more enjoyable for everyone who uses them.” 

“We improve these playgrounds so that they can better reflect the many roles these spaces serve in the lives of children. In addition to being a place where children can play, they are also spaces where kids can socialize and learn about the outdoors together,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “This playground has been a beloved fixture of this neighborhood for many years, and we are so glad that it will continue to play a role in the lives of countless more children in Dorchester.”  

The $1.1 million project replaced playground equipment and pathways worn by years of use. The new play structures offer expanded opportunities for play and are designed to complement a site-specific theme that teaches visitors about the importance of pollinators. The renovations also improve accessibility and safety, including the installation of a new poured-in-place rubber surface that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB) standards. 

Pollinators, the animals that aid in the pollination and survival of native plant species, are featured throughout the park. Multiple play structures depict the birds, inspects, and mammals that play important roles in pollination. The park will also feature educational placards, maps, and signage intended to educate children on what pollinators are and how they help plants thrive. 

“McMorrow Park has served the families of Dorchester for generations, and after years of use, the playgrounds and paths around it have received some well-deserved maintenance. This ribbon-cutting is a testament to the advocacy of neighbors, the hard work of the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the execution from the team at Shadley Associates,” said State Senator Nick Collins. “I am grateful to all the folks who had a hand in moving this project to this point and I look forward to seeing this important community space remain strong for generations to come.”  

“It’s really rewarding to see these renovations completed after years of advocating for improvements at McMorrow Park," said State Representative Daniel Hunt. "I want to thank DCR for investing in the park and for listening to the community about what was needed. The new playground, improved paths and connections, and greater accessibility will make McMorrow an even better place for families to enjoy for years to come. Having grown up with McMorrow basically in my backyard, this project is especially meaningful, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with the community and bringing my own kids to enjoy the park.” 

“McMorrow Park has always been special to me. I grew up going there, and I love seeing it full of families and kids, especially during baseball games,” said Boston City Councilor Erin Murphy. “Thank you to Representative Dan Hunt and Senator Nick Collins for advocating for the funding to make these much-needed improvements possible. This is a safe, welcoming place for our young people to play, grow, and make memories.” 

“I am thrilled to see the Commonwealth and DCR’s continued investment in our neighborhood’s open spaces, especially those that serve our young people. Dorchester is home to so many families and it’s incredibly important that our children have safe and welcoming spaces where they can play,” said Boston City Councilor John Fitzgerald. “The improvements at McMorrow Playground will make a real difference for families in this neighborhood, and I am grateful to everyone who helped make this investment possible.” 

Additional improvements to the playground include the replacement of the playground’s bubbler, installation of new benches and accessible pathways, and the planting of new trees to provide additional shade.  

DCR previously invested $400,000 in improvements to the adjacent baseball fields, which were completed in 2024. This work included improvements to the park’s dugouts, bleachers, and storage areas, as well as a complete regrading of the fields.  

Improving access to recreational resources across the state park system is a key priority of the Healey-Driscoll Administration. Governor Healey’s [https://healey-driscoll%20administration%20testifies%20in%20support%20of%20mass%20ready%20act%20%7C%20mass.gov/]Mass Ready Act includes $764 million for improvements to DCR infrastructure, including playgrounds, parks and campgrounds. 

###