Overview

• The Boston Globe put the project cost at $2 million, funded by the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation with the Esplanade Association and Massachusetts DCR.
• Design highlights include a duck boat structure, a football-shaped fitness circuit, a 40-yard dash, an accessible merry-go-round, and a Zakim Bridge–inspired climber.
• Families from Make-A-Wish and Hill House joined Governor Maura Healey, Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and community partners for the ribbon cutting on the Charles River.
• CharityTeams founder Susan Hurley, who is battling stage four cancer, helped drive the project and publicly urged the one-day contract, and plaques at the site honor her and Kraft.
• Gronkowski tried the football slide and greeted children, emphasizing that the inclusive playground was years in the making to ensure access for all kids.