SWAMPSCOTT — Abbott Park’s swing-set area will be closed from July 3 until Aug. 18 as contractors and Department of Public Works (DPW) employees renovate the playground.
Last year, the town received $100,000 in Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant funding from the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to renovate and upgrade Abbott Park near Clarke Elementary School.
The town will replace worn-out swing seats, and install toddler- and handicap-accessible swing seats, two new play structures — including one with musical elements for young children — and new rubber safety surfacing.
DPW Director Gino Cresta said workers from his department will begin demolition on the playground Monday. Last year, the town renovated the neighboring basketball courts at Abbott Park, installing rubber surfaces. Cresta said the playground area is in need of similar repairs.
“It’s an old slide, old swing set. It’s really antiquated equipment,” Cresta said. “This work has been long overdue.”
Director of Community and Economic Development Marzie Galazka led the effort to secure PARC grants to fund Abbott Park. She said the town has made a tremendous effort to upgrade its outdoor spaces in recent years.
“The town has been focusing on improving our infrastructure, including our open spaces,” Galazka said. “Abbott Park is one of our most highly-used parks. The town wants to assure that our facilities are accessible for our residents, and for all that use the Abbott Park, including the students at the Clark School.”
