Press Release  Photo Release: Department of Conservation and Recreation Celebrates Opening of a New Artesani Park Playground and Wading Pool

BRIGHTON — Seeking to modernize one of the most popular urban recreation areas in the Massachusetts state parks system, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today celebrated the completion of a new wading pool, a new playground, and improved pathways at the agency’s Artesani Park in Brighton. The $3.2 million project will provide children and their families with new outdoor recreational attractions that support a healthy, active lifestyle.

“Serving as a connector to the expansive Charles River Reservation, Artesani Park is an important urban recreational center for the neighborhoods of Allston and Brighton in the City of Boston,” said Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Leo Roy. “The Baker-Polito Administration is proud to continue to support the community by making these significant improvements to the park that encourage residents and visitors of all abilities to get outdoors, and enjoy the summer weather.”

Details of the playground include:

• The removal of existing equipment and surfacing;
• The installation of new playground equipment for 2-5 year olds and for 5-12 year olds;
• The modification of the fencing to make one large enclosed space with three gated fully-accessible entries;
• The installation of poured in place rubber safety surfacing; and,
• The installation of associated site amenities, such as benches, fully-accessible pathways, and landscaping.

Details of the wading pool include:

• The reconstruction of a new wading pool;
• The installation of 12 new spray features;
• A doubling of the water surface area;
• The installation of a new seating area: and,
• The installation of associated site amenities, such as benches, shaded structures, and landscaping.

“I am happy to see such a great investment made in the Allston and Brighton neighborhoods at Artesani Park. This is one of the most-used and most important public spaces in the community, and as the summer months approach, there has never been a better time to upgrade the park and give our children a place to escape the heat and enjoy the new facilities,” said State Senator Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett).

Facilities like spray decks and playgrounds assist in a child’s development of depth perception, spatial awareness, enhance gross and fine motor skills, and improve upper and lower body strength in children in an inclusive play environment. With a fully-accessible, zero-depth entry area, the spray deck will be available for visitors of all abilities to enjoy. Additionally, the new wading pool at Artesani Park features the latest in aquatic technology with improved efficiency at the facility.

“I want to thank Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, and Commissioner Roy for this beautiful new park and kids pool. As the summer season begins the completion of these projects are a welcome addition to the recreational activities available for thousands of kids and families to make great memories,” said State Representative Michael Moran (D-Brighton).

Artesani Park was built in 1961 as part of the overall expansion of recreational facilities by DCR’s predecessor agency, the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC). The park, a project featured in the MDC 1956 parks and recreation master plan, was formerly a horse track created by the Metropolitan Parks District in 1899 and was in operation in some capacity until the 1950’s. Today, Artesani Park provides important urban recreation opportunities to the visitors and residents alike.

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