New Tot Lot and Drainage Topics at next DeFilippo Meeting

By Phil Orlandella

Another public meeting to discuss the potential design of the DeFilippo Playground, which borders Prince and Snow Hill Streets, is being proposed by the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department.

The suggested date is between June 27 and July 8 to discuss the Tot Lot with what’s referred to as the “Mother’s Group” and other residents.

Reportedly, the City is still trying to maintain a fall construction schedule for the playground, according to an email from Michele Folts, Project Manager for the Parks Department sent to NEWRA Zoning, Licensing and Construction Committee co-chair David Kubiak.

Residents at several public meetings scheduled by the Parks Department have continuously stated that before anything is done to create a new Tot Lot the drainage problem that exists in the playground be dealt with first.

Folts claims the City is waiting to see if the extensive cleaning to the lines improved the existing drainage system.

In her email to Kubiak, Folts stated, “There hasn’t seemed to be a problem in the past six weeks despite heavy rainfall. We have been in discussion with the designer regarding the drainage issue near the day well along the access road.”

“We are close to a solution that we would like to propose to the community at the next community meeting,” Folts added. Not scheduled at this time.

As far as the Snow Hill Street wall Folts reported “The contract is in City Hall and we are waiting for approval. Hopefully, the project will be underway within this month (June).”

The original public bids came in higher than expected to build the new wall.

Reportedly, the City has found the funds to complete this construction project.

Meetings will announced in the Review once it has been established.