Codman Square Park, Dorchester, Boston, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Codman Square Park in Dorchester has reopened after a $1.1 million renovation, enhancing accessibility, climate resilience, and community features. The reopening event featured local leaders and residents celebrating significant upgrades, including climate-resilient infrastructure and new amenities to support gatherings and events. This project reflects a collaborative effort guided by community feedback and serves as a vital public space for future activities.
Boston
Boston officials and residents reopened Codman Square Park in Dorchester on September 19, 2025, following a $1.1 million renovation aimed at strengthening the park as a community gathering space and improving climate resilience and accessibility.
Key facts
The reopening was attended by city leaders, including Mayor Michelle Wu and Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Cathy Baker-Eclipse, alongside city officials and residents. The park improvements are part of a $1.1 million investment aimed at strengthening Codman Square Park as a vibrant community gathering space. Major improvements focus on accessibility, upgraded areas for events and daily use, climate-resilient infrastructure, and a new artistic element at the park entrance.
Primary improvements and features
Significant upgrades include the installation of climate-resilient cooling towers, rain gardens, and porous paving to manage heat and stormwater. The project also incorporated Green Stormwater Infrastructure and Climate Resilient Cooling Misting Towers to ensure sustainability and improved comfort.
New features include a performance stage, lawn mounds for seating, a renovated monument and memorial bench, a community bulletin board, café seating, updated lighting, water bottle filling stations, and new power access. The park is designed to support everyday usage and special events, including the Codman Square Farmer’s Market.
Funding, design and construction
Funding sources included City capital funding, Community Preservation Act resources, and additional support from the Office of Green Infrastructure and Climate Ready Streets. The $1.1 million total includes $100,000 for design and $998,955 for construction, with supplementary funding of $150,000 from the Community Preservation Act. Design was led by Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture, and construction was completed by ANJ Construction.
Art, community role and process
A key artistic element at the entrance is the I Am Codman Sq sculpture, created by artist Destiny Palmer with metalwork by Alaina Mahoney, celebrating the neighborhood’s cultural diversity. Seed funding for the sculpture came from a 2019 Edward Ingersoll Browne Fund grant secured by the Codman Square Neighborhood Council.
The renovation was informed by community feedback, with four community meetings held starting in 2022. The Codman Square Neighborhood Council played a crucial role in advocating for the park renovation, having initiated a master plan in 2018. The planning and implementation process involved engagement from the Friends of Codman Square Park, and the neighborhood council’s president highlighted that engagement. City Councilor Brian Worrell noted the park’s importance as a public gathering spot that could attract new businesses, and State Representative Russell Holmes acknowledged the contributions of community organizations to the park’s vision and success.
Officials’ summary of the project
Mayor Michelle Wu expressed excitement about the revitalization of the park, emphasizing accessibility for all residents. Cathy Baker-Eclipse noted the collaborative effort that brought the project to fruition and highlighted the improvements in community accessibility.
How the park will be used
The renovated park is intended to serve daily visitors and host special events. The design supports ongoing neighborhood activities and scheduled events such as the Codman Square Farmer’s Market, while providing amenities meant to increase comfort, accessibility, and resilience to heat and stormwater.
Where to find more information
For ongoing information about the park and other Boston parks, residents can visit the city’s official website or follow @bostonparksdept on social media.
FAQ
When was Codman Square Park reopened and who attended?
The park reopened in Dorchester on September 19, 2025, and the reopening was attended by city leaders, including Mayor Michelle Wu and Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Cathy Baker-Eclipse, alongside city officials and residents.
How much was invested in the park renovations?
The park improvements are part of a $1.1 million investment aimed at strengthening Codman Square Park as a vibrant community gathering space.
What are the main climate-resilient upgrades?
Significant upgrades include the installation of climate-resilient cooling towers, rain gardens, and porous paving to manage heat and stormwater.
What new amenities and features were added?
New features include a performance stage, lawn mounds for seating, a renovated monument and memorial bench, a community bulletin board, café seating, updated lighting, water bottle filling stations, and new power access.
How was the project funded and what was the budget breakdown?
The $1.1 million total includes $100,000 for design and $998,955 for construction, with supplementary funding of $150,000 from the Community Preservation Act.
Who led the design and who completed construction?
Design was led by Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture; construction was completed by ANJ Construction.
What is the I Am Codman Sq sculpture and how was it funded?
The I Am Codman Sq sculpture at the entrance was created by artist Destiny Palmer and metalwork artist Alaina Mahoney, and seed funding for the sculpture came from a 2019 Edward Ingersoll Browne Fund grant secured by the Codman Square Neighborhood Council.
How was the community involved in the renovation?
The renovation was informed by community feedback, with four community meetings held starting in 2022. The Codman Square Neighborhood Council played a crucial role in advocating for the park renovation, having initiated a master plan in 2018.
What did city officials say about the project?
Mayor Michelle Wu expressed excitement about the revitalization of the park, emphasizing accessibility for all residents. Cathy Baker-Eclipse noted the collaborative effort that brought the project to fruition and highlighted the improvements in community accessibility.
Where can residents find ongoing information about the park?
For ongoing information about the park and other Boston parks, residents can visit the city’s official website or follow @bostonparksdept on social media.
Quick reference
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Codman Square Park, Dorchester, Boston |
| Reopening date | September 19, 2025 |
| Total investment | $1.1 million |
| Design lead | Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture |
| Construction | ANJ Construction |
| Major climate features | Climate-resilient cooling towers; rain gardens; porous paving; Green Stormwater Infrastructure; Climate Resilient Cooling Misting Towers |
| Art installation | I Am Codman Sq sculpture by Destiny Palmer and Alaina Mahoney; seed funding from a 2019 Edward Ingersoll Browne Fund grant secured by the Codman Square Neighborhood Council |
| Funding breakdown | The $1.1 million total includes $100,000 for design and $998,955 for construction, with supplementary funding of $150,000 from the Community Preservation Act |
| Community process | Four community meetings held starting in 2022; Codman Square Neighborhood Council initiated a master plan in 2018 |
| More information | For ongoing information about the park and other Boston parks, residents can visit the city’s official website or follow @bostonparksdept on social media. |
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Additional Resources
- DotNews: Cannabis Retail Operators Seek Licenses for Codman Square Store
- Wikipedia: Codman Square
- DotNews: Angel Wings Park Taking Shape in Codman Square
- Google Search: Codman Square Park
- DotNews: Construction Seen for Improved Codman Square Park
- Google Scholar: Codman Square Park Renovation
- DotNews: Summertime Start Seen for Codman Park Rehab
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Parks
- DotNews: High Bids Setback for Codman Square Park Project
- Google News: Codman Square Park Reopening
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