Photo: Chris Fama / WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Construction for an accessible playground renovation valued at $1.4 million was marked with a groundbreaking ceremony in South Boston's Marine Park on Monday.
The Michael Joyce Memorial Playground renovations, slated to begin work in the spring of next year, come from a partnership between the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Colin Joy's Project, and the Joyce Family, to offer a place of play that will be available to children of all abilities. The CJP is a foundation named after Colin McGrath, a local toddler that was killed in a hit-and-run crash four years ago. WBZ's Chris Fama spoke to his mother, Kerri McGrath, who said the project is significant for her family.
"This playground is the last playground Colin ever played at. I remember his face in the stroller that day and how excited he was, and when we thought about Colin's Joy Project initially we thought we should create that joy for other families and we'll start with building a playground," McGrath said.
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The Colin's Joy Project is responsible for a large chunk of the funds put towards renovations, committing at least $600,000 to the project. The Michael Joyce Memorial Playground was dedicated in 2011 to commemorate Michael Joyce, who worked in the Massachusetts State House for 20 years as a member of the immigrant community.
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card, DCR Commissioner Doug Rice, along with the McGrath and Joyce families, attended the groundbreaking event held at Marine Park.
In addition to boosted accessibility, improvements for the playground will include upgrades to the facility's lighting, pathways, and bike racks.
WBZ's Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports.
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