Community Engagement Drives the Transformation of Clifford Playground.

by James Lynch

Concerned residents Joanne Gomes, Yumeng Li, and Marla Smith, who live near Clifford Playground, carefully examine various design proposals for the park. The incorporation of security cameras and improved lighting is being deliberated as part of the renovation plans, aiming to foster a safer and more welcoming environment for all.

Following the removal of encampments from the Mass and Cass area, officials spearheading the redesign of Clifford Playground remain steadfast in their commitment to creating a revitalized park that embraces the entire community. The dilapidated state of the existing park underscores the urgent need for a transformation that fosters inclusivity and caters to the diverse needs of Roxbury residents.

With the encampments no longer posing an immediate obstacle, the path towards a reimagined Clifford Playground is gaining momentum. Community engagement remains at the heart of the redesign process, ensuring that the voices of local residents are heard and incorporated into the final plans.

The 8-acre Clifford Playground, located near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, has long been overshadowed by the presence of a nearby homeless encampment. This encampment, which the city has struggled to manage, has often encroached upon the park, leaving a trail of needles, trash, and human waste in its wake.

This proximity to Mass and Cass has cast a long shadow over Clifford Playground, limiting its use and hindering its potential as a vibrant community space. The park's dilapidated condition and the challenges posed by the encampment have raised concerns about its future and ability to serve the diverse needs of Roxbury residents.

As efforts to revitalize Clifford Playground gain momentum, the specter of Mass and Cass remains a lingering concern. Ensuring the park's safety and accessibility will be crucial to its success, and addressing the root causes of homelessness in the area will be essential to creating a truly inclusive and welcoming space.

The removal of tents marks a significant step towards transforming Clifford Playground into a welcoming and accessible space for the entire community. The implementation of enhanced security measures aims to foster a sense of safety and deter potential criminal activity, while improved lighting will extend the park's usability into the evening hours.

These measures underscore the commitment of city officials and designers to creating a vibrant and inclusive recreational space for Roxbury residents. With a focus on openness and visibility, Clifford Playground is poised to regain its rightful place as a cherished community hub.

"We envision a park bustling with positive energy, where people gather to enjoy sports and engage in recreational activities, even after dark," stated Ricardo Austrich, lead project manager for consultant BSC Group. "This vibrant atmosphere will foster a sense of security and revitalize not only the park but also the surrounding community.”

Designers and representatives from the city's Parks and Recreation Department unveiled three conceptual designs for the revamped Clifford Playground during a recent presentation. Each design incorporates multiple sports fields, allowing simultaneous play, preserves existing trees, and expands children's play areas, explained Katie Kemen, assistant project manager for BSC Group.

"We recognize the strong desire from community members to utilize this park," she stated. "There's an evident level of enthusiasm. Our goal is to ensure the park's design aligns with the expressed wishes and needs of the community."

"The city's allocation of $7.2 million for the Clifford Playground renovation is met with apprehension from residents who fear it will fall short in addressing the park's deep-rooted issues stemming from its location near Mass and Cass."

Last month, the scheduled renovation received an extra $1 million through a federal grant to bolster initiatives that aim to incorporate "cooling elements" like shade and water access. Officials also intend to enhance stormwater capacity through green infrastructure strategies, as noted by authorities.

Steph Lewis, President and CEO of The Base, encouraged designers to take into account the permitting implications that may arise from the various concepts. The Base, Lewis's organization, is an urban academy located at Clifford, engaging approximately 1,500 youths annually in athletic activities.

Steph Lewis, president and CEO of The Base, raised concerns that one of the proposed conceptual designs could limit the simultaneous use of sports fields, potentially leading to permit disputes among community groups and organizations. He cautioned against the tendency for new park facilities to attract increased demand from programs that have not previously utilized them.

Officials will gather feedback from a recent community meeting, a virtual session scheduled for Wednesday, and input from students at a nearby school to refine the final design concept, which will be presented in January, according to Lauren Bryant, project manager for the city. Construction is expected to commence either next summer or fall, with the renovation anticipated to be completed sometime in 2025.

Regardless of the chosen design, prioritizing opportunities for children must remain paramount, emphasized Domingos DaRosa, who coaches the Boston Bengals Pop Warner football program at the park. He was forced to temporarily suspend the program due to ongoing challenges.

"Adults are great, but I'm not concerned about their drinking or music," he stated. "There are other parks for adults to enjoy."

Navigating permitting processes and striking a balance between the needs of diverse community groups will be crucial to ensuring that the revitalized Clifford Playground caters to the recreational needs of all residents, particularly children. By prioritizing youth and fostering equitable access, the park can become a cherished community hub that empowers and enriches the lives of Roxbury residents.

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