Greene's Field Getting Some TLC, New Play Structure

Over two years since Greene’s Field Playground was to be dismantled, new play structures are on their way, and fundraising efforts have begun.

At last night's Special Town Meeting, article 12 was approved unanimously to appropriate $445,000 toward rehabilitating the field and installing playground equipment. 

"Greene's Field has been in need of improvements for years," said Mike Retsky, Park and Recreation Commissioner.

The Parks and Recreation Department supported the "much needed" article, he added.

Of that, $320,000 is expected to go to restoring the baseball diamond, basketball court and to building a walking path, explained Janet Carter-Bernardo, vice-chairman of the Community Preservation Committee. The rest goes to the purchase and installation of playground equipment, cost estimates for which are between $150,000 and $175,000.

In the article, proponents also reference fundraising efforts to make up the difference between the $445,000 appropriation and the estimated $500,000 cost of the project. Shortly after Town Meeting ended, the Greene's Field Fundraising Committee (GFFC) had issued a press release announcing fundraising efforts had begun--and they already had $8,000 to start.

“The fundraising committee is very thankful for the support of the Needham Women’s Club and Town Meeting members,” said GFFC Chair Alison Borrelli in the release. “Their support shows that the Greene’s Field playground is avaluable investment in Needham. This playground will give kids a needed place to play, boost nearby home values and give families another reason to visit Needham Center.”

To aid fundraising efforts, the GFFC is selling planks, which will be engraved with donor's names and messages, then installed in the boardwalk. Boards from businesses will cost $500, a discounted $400 for non-profit organizations, and $200 for families or individuals.

Below is the full press release from the Greene's Field Fundraising Committee:

Greene’s Field Playground Passes Town Meeting–Fundraising Begins Immediately

$8,000 Donation Already Collected; Needham Residents and Businesses Have a Unique Opportunity to Buy a Board on the New Playground

The children of Needham are one step closer to being able to swing, climb and play at a new playground at Greene’s Field. Tonight, Town Meeting members partially funded the playground’s construction, and a fundraising campaign immediately began with the goal of raising $100,000 in private donations to fund the rest of the project and build the playground next year. Additionally, the fundraising committee is pleased to announce that the Needham Women’s Club has become the first major donor to the Greene’s Field playground, generously contributing $8,000 to the project.

“The fundraising committee is very thankful for the support of the Needham Women’s Club and Town Meeting members,” said Alison Borrelli, chair of the Greene’s Field Fundraising Committee. “Their support shows that the Greene’s Field playground is avaluable investment in Needham. This playground will give kids a needed place to play, boost nearby home values and give families another reason to visit Needham Center.”

Needham residents and businesses are encouraged to support the Greene’s Field playground by buying a board on what will be a highlight of the playground project: the boardwalk of names. Each four-foot wide board can be engraved with a personalmessage. When the playground is constructed, the boards will be joined together to forma unique boardwalk. It is a perfect way for families, kids, teams, troops and businesses to leave a lasting impression on Needham. The boards can be purchased online at www.greenesfield.org.

The new Greene’s Field playground will replace the one that was deemed unsafe andtorn down in 2010. Two structures will be built--one for younger children and amore challenging one for older children. The playground project is part of a largerrevitalization of Greene’s Field. The overall project includes planting new grass forthe playing fields, renovating the basketball court, constructing a relaxing walking path and gazebo and installing beautiful landscaping. For more information, please visit www.greenesfield.org.