Construction Set To Begin At Melrose Playground

MELROSE, MA — The city is moving forward with improvements to Dunton Playground that will replace the existing playground equipment with a new structure as part of ongoing recreational upgrades across Melrose.

Work at the playground is expected to begin as early as the week of Aug. 31 and last approximately two to four weeks, according to City Hall. Existing playground equipment will be removed and replaced with a new age-appropriate structure.

The improvements are being funded through the Proposition 2½ override approved by Melrose voters. The city's FY2026 Capital Improvement Program allocated $536,000 for playground improvements at Dunton Park and Common Park, with both projects included among recreational improvements supported through the override.

Dunton Park, located at 143 Franklin St. near the intersection of Franklin and Pratt streets, is a roughly 15,000-square-foot neighborhood park. The park was constructed in 1969, with playground equipment added several years later, and primarily serves younger children and families in the surrounding neighborhood.

The playground has also long been known locally as "Swiss Cheese Park," a nickname stemming from a distinctive piece of playground equipment that resembled Swiss cheese. More recently, a Daisy Swing was added to the park in 2021.

The project follows discussions earlier this year over potential capital improvements at Dunton and Common parks. The Melrose Park Commission invited residents to provide feedback on improvements at both playgrounds as officials prepared to move forward with the projects.

The city has advised residents to watch for posted signs and updates regarding playground closures and construction as work moves forward.

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