First Defilippo Playground Improvement Meeting Held

By Phil Orlandella

As promised the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department held its first of three possible meetings to discuss the future of DeFilippo Playground with residents.

Cathy Baker Eclips project manager for the City and Tamar Zimmerman from Crosby Schessinger Smallbridge (CSS) discussed the current conditions of the playground and possible improvements using $275,000 from the City’s Capital Budget.

Boston City Councilor Sal LaMattina told the Review that he is attempting to increase the construction budget.

Residents encouraged the City and the design contractor to begin by fixing the flooding problem that exists in the playground before doing any other proposed improvements like a tot lot and improve lighting.

Other plans included slides and swings, fencing around the tot lot. removing the grass area and placing a new mat through the tot lot and repair the area used for hand ball.

The basketball and hockey areas are currently not included in the project’s budget.

Discussions also centered around drugs being used and sold and trash pick-up in the playground and dog owners not picking up after their pets were concerns expressed by residents.

The second meeting scheduled for Monday, March 7 at 6:30pm in the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 North Bennet Street will be held to present alternatives for park design and discussions with park users.

The third meeting, not scheduled at this time will entail a presentation on final design for additional discussion and clarification.