Photo: Brian Antonelli/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) – After years-long renovations, the Charlesbank Playground along the Esplanade is now open to young climbers again but with a few noticeable changes.
The site is renamed to the “Gronk Playground,” after former New England Patriots player Rob Gronkowski and his foundation, the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation, donated over $1.8 million to fund the renovations.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation said the redesigned project is aimed at making the site 100% accessible and ADA compliant.
The new playground has plenty of updated circuits to encourage kids to build out their imaginary worlds, including a mini–Duck Boat, accessible Merry-Go-Round, swing sets, and a bridge climber inspired by the Zakim Bridge.
In honor of Gronk’s contribution, there is also a 40-yard dash and a Gronk high-5 board.
According to DCR, the Gronk Playground creates a “fun and welcoming playground for all children with new elements tailored to all abilities,” adding that they hope to have a grand opening ceremony of the playground later this summer.
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