Burnham’s Field Now Officially Now Has A Mac Daddy Playground

Holy Cannoli Batman the City’s largest green space play ground in the heart of downtown now has a worthy playground-

What a gorgeous job they did.  Kudos to all those involved.

9/6/14

I missed the Grand Re-Opening but here was the info-

Joey,

Big news from the largest playground and green space in central Gloucester: Burnham’s Field is set to reopen this Saturday after its first major renovation in 30 years! All are invited to the Grand Reopening Event this Saturday at 9 a.m.

Thanks!

John McElhenny

Friends of Burnham’s Field 

Sept. 3, 2014

Burnham’s Field to reopen with a splash

Ribbon-Cutting this Saturday, Sept. 6, at 9 a.m. to show improvements to central Gloucester’s largest green space and playground

(Gloucester, MA)—Mayor Carolyn Kirk and Ward 2 City Councilor Melissa Cox invite Gloucester residents to the reopening of the Burnham’s Field Playground on Saturday Sept. 6, 2014. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. followed by a ceremonial “first splash” at the playground’s new spray fountain

The renovation of Burnham’s Field, the largest green space and playground in central Gloucester, is the first major reconstruction of Burnham’s Field in 30 years. The renovation includes two new playgrounds, swings, a spray pad for kids, resurfaced basketball courts, new trees and benches, and a paved path around the field for walking, jogging or riding. The renovation follows the creation of the Burnham’s Field Community Garden in 2011, part of a five-year effort to turn one of Gloucester’s most heavily used fields and playgrounds into a more beautiful, welcoming place for families, children and neighbors.

Mayor Kirk expressed her appreciation for all the hard work that went in to making this improvement happen. “The reopening of the Burnham’s Field Playground culminates a five-year effort by the City and the neighborhood to create a more family-friendly atmosphere for Burnham’s Field. Families with children will enjoy the expanded playground and new spray fountain. Residents of all ages will enjoy the paved pathways and benches that make the Field accessible to all residents.”

Gloucester’s Community Development Department secured state, federal and City Community Preservation grants to fund the project. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Natural Resource Damage program is providing $195,000 towards the $565,000 project cost. The balance of $370,000 is being funded with Federal Community Development Block Grant funds and City Community Preservation Funds.

John McElhenny, a neighbor of Burnham’s Field, said the renovation showed how Gloucester residents and the City can work together. “The renovation of Burnham’s Field shows that in Gloucester, green spaces matter and getting outside and running and playing matter,” said McElhenny, who noted that the new Friends of Burnham’s Field are welcoming donations of trees, park benches and picnic tables to beautify the field. “This renovation is a wonderful first step in making Burnham’s Field a park that every Gloucester resident can be proud of.”

David W. Cash, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, congratulated the City and neighborhood on the success of the project. “We’re happy that residents of all ages can go out and enjoy the outdoor environment that our agency works so diligently to protect. We’re pleased that Gloucester was able to utilize one-time-only funds from a court-ordered landfill closure project to help clean-up a field that was often overlooked in the past.”