Renovated Peter Gilmore Playground Open

WALTHAM, MA — In case you missed it the South side's Peter Gilmore Playground's $2 million renovation is finally finished. In the works since at least 2013, the process involving city officials, abutters and neighborhood residents has given the park a brand new look and the official ribbon cutting is slated for July 22. In the mean time, children and adults have already taken to hanging out there.

"It's definitely a great thing for the community, especially this area where open space is limited. It took a lot of input on the south side and to get where we are now is just great. We have an amazing looking park," said Councilor Carlos Vidal who worked on the project.

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What's new? There's a little something for everyone: New slides and other playground equipment for the little ones (the mulch bedding replaced by soft non organic material) a multi-use court, with lines for both basketball and “futsal” - a smaller version of soccer, and adult exercise equipment. There's also a fancy new fountain and upgraded paths around and through the park.

The Community Preservation Committee and the city council approved $1.7 million in Community Preservation Act funds to be used for the construction project last year. And a little more than $400,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds were used to fund the remainder of the project.

City Councilor Robert Logan of Ward 9 was a main proponent.

"I think it's just a great thing for the neighborhood," said Logan. To him, the project, which included a series of meetings that involved the community, highlights the beauty of public participation.

"Having a public process you come out with a better product in the end. It's not just a city park, It's their park," he said.

And so far, the positive feedback has been pouring in not least visible by the fact that its already getting a lot of use. "People love it. They're absolutely thrilled," he said.

The playground isn't just a playground anymore. "It's to me a community gathering place -almost a center of the south side of the community," he said of the park that has gone through a couple iterations.

When Logan was growing up, it was known as "the courts" for the tennis courts that situated there until it was renamed and renovated for the first person from Waltham who was killed in the Vietnam War. Peter Gilmore, grew up playing in that park and knew Logan's older brother.

Vidal who helped with the planning as a citizen in 2013 before he was elected to the city council said his favorite part was the new futsol court, which he said he's used already.

"It's important to point out that in an area such as the south side where it's socially and economically diverse. Having a park like this is key. Open space in the area is very important. Now it's up to us as residents in the neighborhood to take care of it. Because it's a jewel."

Parks and Recreation Director Nick Abruzzi did not multiple request for comment in time for publication. The mayor was out of town and could not immediately respond to request for comment.

A ribbon cutting for the park is scheduled for July 22.

Photo of Gilmore Playground by Jenna Fisher/Patch