Press Release  Roxbury Community Celebrated the Reopening of DCR’s Newly Upgraded Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center to the Public

Boston — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) joined leaders from community organizations, representatives from the City of Boston, local elected officials, and the family of civil rights activist Melnea A. Cass to celebrate the reopening of the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center, following a series of significant upgrades aimed at enhancing the Center’s role as a hub for Roxbury families, friends and neighbors. The renovations reflect DCR's commitment to providing Roxbury families and children with a safe, accessible, and engaging space for recreation, education, and community-building.

Earlier this fall, the center reopened to local organizations and groups who host recreational programming for local families, while renovations to improve the user experience at the center were still underway. As part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to the community, the pool and multipurpose rooms were open to the community throughout the summer season. Now, with the completion of major improvements, the center has reopened to the public and will offer expanded programs including open gym times, recreational activities, and additional community services.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the reopening of the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center because we know what an important resource it is for the Roxbury community,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The upgrades that were made over the last six months including the new athletic flooring, sound system, safety features, and other upgrades will make this a state-of-the-art facility for the community. We hope this will be a space where friends and neighbors can gather to exercise, learn, and play.” 

“The reopening of the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center highlights the importance of the one-of-a-kind facility honoring one of Boston’s greatest heroes,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We want to thank the community, local elected officials, and numerous partners for your support and patience as DCR made these important upgrades because we know the critical role the Center plays in Roxbury.”

Upgrades to the recreation center include a new athletic floor, upgraded athletic equipment, improved Wi-Fi connectivity, a new sound system, and enhanced safety features like new wall padding. These improvements create a more accessible and versatile space for the community. Additionally, the center has introduced new interpretive materials to honor the legacy of its namesake, famed Boston civil rights activist, Melnea A. Cass and showcase the rich cultural history of Roxbury.

"The Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center has been a vital part of the Roxbury neighborhood for more than five decades, first serving as a pool and hockey rink, then as a recreation center, and now with these new upgrades it will become a thriving community hub that will bring friends, neighbors and families of all ages together for safe and inclusive educational and recreational programming,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We were thrilled to join the community in celebrating the successful completion of these renovations, and we are committed to continuing to invest in this valuable neighborhood resource so that it serves as a place for people to gather and grow for generations to come."

Ahead of the center’s soft reopening in September, DCR announced the appointment of Chris Sumner, a longtime leader in the Roxbury community, as the new executive director of the Cass Complex which includes the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center. Sumner brings more than 30 years of experience in community relations, operations and program development to the role. He is focused on expanding the center’s offerings and strengthening its connection to the neighborhood by partnering with local organizations to bring educational programs, senior services, and wellness initiatives to the center. The goal is to create a vibrant community hub where people can access a wide variety of resources and services to support their personal and collective growth.

"My goal is to make the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center a true community hub," said Chris Sumner, executive director of the Cass Complex. "We want this to be a space where everyone—whether a child, senior, or anyone in between—can feel connected, supported, and engaged. I'm looking forward to working with local partners to offer programming that goes beyond just recreation, enriching the lives of residents in meaningful ways."  

Friday’s celebration kicked off a weekend-long open house at the center for the community including a holiday party hosted by Score4More, a local organization focused on supporting advocating for programs that serve student athletes. The event, attracted thousands of kids from the community, providing them and their families with fun activities and an opportunity to experience the newly renovated space.

The Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center will also continue to offer open gym times, recreational leagues, and a variety of community programming. By working closely with local organizations, DCR aims to ensure that the center continues to meet the evolving needs of the Roxbury community.

"As the proud Senator representing Roxbury, it's great to see the improvement of a place that means so much to our community. The Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center is not just a building — it’s a place where we’ve come together and built lasting connections,” said State Senator Liz Miranda. “As we celebrate the newly upgraded Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center, with its refreshed floors, state-of-the-art equipment, and revitalized spaces, we are also celebrating the bright future of a community that continues to evolve. Melnea A. Cass’s legacy of dedication, strength, and service continues to inspire us all, and I’m elated to see her vision live on in this revitalized community hub. I want to thank the community, DCR and Chris Sumner for their leadership in ensuring this center remains a cornerstone of opportunity and pride for Roxbury."

"I am honored to be a part of the effort to uphold the legacy of the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center - where families can enjoy social and physical leisure in their back yard," said State Representative Chynah Tyler.  

"Since I was a young person growing up in Boston, the Cass has been a gathering place for families, a community resource, and a thriving hub of activity for the neighborhood," said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services for the City of Boston. "I’m so glad that under the leadership of Governor Healey and Commissioner Arrigo that there has been a focus on making improvements to the Cass so that we can rely on it to be a point of neighborhood pride for generations to come."   

"We are deeply honored to see the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center reopen, a space that reflects our grandmother’s unwavering commitment to the community she loved. Melnea believed in the power of connection, opportunity, and service, and this center continues to embody her vision,” said the Family of Melnea A. Cass. “The new interpretive panels that highlight her legacy are a beautiful tribute to her impact, and we are thrilled to see them displayed for all to see. As we celebrate her legacy today, we are excited for the future partnerships with DCR, ensuring that her spirit lives on in this space and continues to inspire and uplift generations to come."

DCR is planning additional upgrades in the coming years including, new monitors to support educational and community programming, new score boards, a digital entrance sign to share updates and welcome visitors to the Center, a newly repaired arena roof, which will include solar panels expected to generate 220,538 kW of energy annually, and a new roll-up garage door to improve access for large equipment and vehicles. 

With these upgrades and a renewed focus on community partnerships, the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center is poised to remain a cornerstone of the Roxbury community for years to come.

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