The Brookline Department of Public Works Parks and Open Space Division is pleased to announce that the John E. Murphy Playground has officially been reopened to the public following reconstruction.
The redesigned playground includes two play areas, one for ages 5-12 and a separate fenced-in playground area for ages 2-5. Both play areas feature all-new custom Kompan play equipment, poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing, perimeter seating, picnic tables, and a wide variety of play equipment providing many different play experiences.
The park renovation also features an enlarged vortex splash pad and a new basketball hoop, both featuring seat walls at the perimeter. Accessible pathways have been added throughout the park and a new seating plaza is located at the Bowker Street entrance.
In addition to the above-ground site amenities, a new below-grade infiltration system has been installed underneath the pathway. This infiltration system will help divert stormwater from the park and surrounding areas from the Muddy River by providing on-site storage so that water can slowly percolate into the soil. This retention system will help alleviate on-site flooding and combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges into the Muddy River by reducing the volume of water within our sewer system during heavy rain events.
“The Parks Division is excited to deliver a new and improved John E. Murphy Playground that not only provides two beautiful play areas for children but features amenities for all ages and provides environmental benefits to our community,” said Director of Parks & Open Space Alexandra Vecchio.
A formal opening celebration event including activities for the whole family will be scheduled in the spring. Details of that event will be shared on social media and the Town’s website when an event date and time have been set.
For additional information on the John E. Murphy Playground, including photos of the construction process, please visit the project website here or e-mail the Parks & Open Space Division at parks@brooklinema.gov.
