LYNN — City officials, designers, and families gathered to celebrate the grand reopening of Gallagher Park on Wednesday and Keaney Park on Friday.
These openings mark a long-awaited renovation project aimed at revitalizing Lynn’s green spaces.
While city leaders praised the updated park as a step forward in accessibility and safety, some longtime residents expressed disappointment over what they felt was a scaled-back version of earlier plans for Gallagher Park.
The upgrades, made possible through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, include new play structures, rubberized safety surfacing, and gently sloping accessible pathways — all designed with inclusivity in mind.
Carin Wilson, a longtime resident with four daughters aged 3 to 12, voiced concerns about the reduced variety of equipment, especially for younger children. “There’s not much my 3-year-old can access. It’s beautiful, yes, but underwhelming,” Wilson said. “There were supposed to be more slides, more swings — more for a broader range of ages. What we have now doesn’t quite meet that promise.”
Nora Messier said her family is among those who signed a letter to the mayor expressing concern over discrepancies between the final park design and earlier renderings.
Messier noted missing features like embankment slides and a popular tire swing. They estimate that up to 100 residents signed the letter, including notes written by children themselves.
“The kids are going to enjoy it no matter what — it’s new,” Wilson said. “At home, they’re already asking: ‘Where are the monkey bars? Where’s the big slide?”
Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said, in response to the letter, “We always appreciate the feedback and thank those who reached out. We originally allocated funding for Gallagher in 2022. In response to feedback, we prioritized rebuilding the playground and making accessibility improvements before redoing the fields, and the playground design was the one we shared last year.“
Despite mixed reviews, city leaders stood by the renovation as a step in the right direction. “The rubberized surface and accessible pathways may seem simple,” said Nicholson at the event, “but they make a huge difference for someone using a wheelchair, pushing a stroller, or managing mobility challenges.”
Nicholson, who led the ceremony, emphasized the city’s commitment to public spaces and equitable recreation. “We had a once-in-a-generation opportunity with ARPA funds, and we decided our play spaces should be a top priority,” he said. “This park is safer, more accessible, and built to support every kind of family.”
Representatives from design firms and civil engineering teams, including LeftField and VHB, echoed this focus on universal access and safety. Linda LaPorto of LeftField called it a “model for inclusive play.”
“This is one of three parks we’ve helped design for the city, and it’s been so exciting to see federal funding put to work in such a meaningful way,” said Jen Martel, principal at Copley Wolff, the landscape architecture firm behind the redesign. “Gallagher Park is special — all the trees, the shade, the natural backdrop. It’s a gem.”
Landscape designer Molly Wimberg, who joined the project mid-way, shared that one of the major challenges was preserving the natural terrain and mature trees, which she said offer “a beautiful canopy for kids to have shade and enjoy.”
Keaney Park officially reopened this week following a major renovation funded through ARPA. The celebration brought together city officials, landscape designers, engineers, and residents eager to explore the updated playground and newly irrigated fields.
“This is one of the best parts of my job,” said Rep. Daniel Cahill at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It’s a great example of how community input and public investment can lead to tremendous improvements.”
The park’s transformation includes a brand-new inclusive playground, improved irrigation systems to support healthy green fields, and a resurfaced track open for public use. Leaders praised the improvements for not only enhancing recreation but also promoting accessibility across the site.
“This is a great day,” said Lisa Nerich of the Department of Public Works. “The city’s investment has truly paid off. These parks are finally getting the attention they deserve.”
Landscape architecture firm Copley Wolff and civil engineers played key roles in bringing the park’s new design to life, Nicholson said
Denisa Lopez, a local mother, reflected on how much the park has changed for the better. “When my kids were little, we had to go to the older park, and there was always trash, and some of the equipment wasn’t up to par,” she said. “Now, younger kids have a clean, safe park with so many different activities. It’s great to see.”
With the opening now complete, the mayor encouraged families to take full advantage of the new space. “We know kids have been dying to get in here,” Nicholson said with a smile, “and we’re just thrilled to finally open the gates and let the fun begin.”
