NEWRA Committee Focused on Difilippo Playground

-By Phil Orlandella

Topics at the NEWRA Parks and Open Spaces Committee meeting held last week at the Nazzaro Community Center covered a variety of issues including DiFilippo Playground on Prince Street.

Reportedly, the Committee did a tour of the playground to prepare for last night’s community meeting with the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department, which was held to have neighborhood input into expected improvements to the well utilized playground.

During the City’s first meeting, discussions centered around a new tot lot, correcting apparent water drainage problems, fencing, new grass and protective carpeting.

NEWRA would like to see better or new lighting, better maintenance, trash pick-up and something must be done with the horrendous amount of dog droppings left in the playground.

Like the Prado the snow is melting and the dog droppings has become an eyesore in the playground. The area is not usable and it’s most likely a health hazard.

Repairs to the Snow Hill Wall was also discussed and once again the topic of trees, sidewalk and catch basins took place.

NEWRA believes these issues need to be addressed before the wall is re-built.

Committee Chair Ann Pistorio told the group that she has been in touch with the Brink’s Garage Company to get them to commit to clean out the wall located between the building and playground which is full of all kinds of debris.

She reported that the Company is working to get it done shortly.

The group also plans to discuss what they feel is another dangerous wall on Prince Street that is in dire need of repair.

The next NEWRA Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 5 at 7pm in the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 North Bennet Street.