Month: March 2014

Joey,

Thanks to you and GoodMorningGloucester for being so supportive of Burnham’s Field (see here, here and here for a few examples of awesome GMG stories you’ve published about the field.) I wanted to share some good news: the launch of the first-ever Friends of Burnham’s Field.

The Friends are welcoming new members: Anyone who ever played on the field as a kid or goes to their kids’ games at the field or walks their dog there. If anyone is interested, more information is at the Friends’ new website here and below.

And yes, I’m very much looking forward to your ribbing for quoting myself in the news release below.

Thanks, Joey!

– John McElhenny     

New community group forms as the largest playground in central Gloucester undergoes its first renovation in 30 years; Donated trees and park benches welcomed

Gloucester, Mass., March 14, 2014 – A group of families, neighbors and other residents have launched the first-ever Friends of Burnham’s Field to make the largest open space and playground in central Gloucester a more beautiful, welcoming open space to walk, exercise, play and enjoy the outdoors.

Burnham’s Field is a 7-acre park, playground and recreation area in downtown Gloucester. Generations of Gloucester children and their families have played on its swings, basketball courts, ball fields, play structure and grassy open spaces.

Burnham’s Field has recently enjoyed a surge of new activity with the launch of the Burnham’s Field Community Garden, more frequent clean-ups and the first major renovation to the field in 30 years scheduled to begin this spring. The renovation will include new playground equipment, swings, a walking loop, lighted paths, fences, park benches, a spray fountain for kids, bathroom, trees and other improvements. 

The Friends of Burnham’s Field is being launched to create a community of people who will continue to care for the field once the renovations are complete. Dozens of Gloucester residents have already joined and a new website has been created, www.burnhamsfield.org. 

“The Friends of Burnham’s Field is made up of regular people — neighbors, parents, children, friends — who want to make sure Burnham’s Field stays a park Gloucester can be proud of for generations to come,” said John McElhenny, a neighbor and founder of the Friends. “The rebirth of Burnham’s Field in the heart of the City sends a message that in Gloucester, green spaces and playgrounds matter.” 

Organized under the Gloucester Fund, a registered 501(c)(3) charity, the Friends are welcoming donations for park benches, picnic tables and trees and are offering naming and sponsorship opportunities to local businesses. For information on how to become a Friend of Burnham’s Field or make a donation, click here.

“Burnham’s Field holds special meaning for many people who’ve grown up in Gloucester,” said City Councilor Melissa Cox, who represents the neighborhoods around the field. “The Friends of Burnham’s Field gives anyone the chance to become involved with the field as a Friend or to donate a tree, park bench or picnic table to remember a relative or their own fun memories ‘down at Burnham’s.’”