Ellis Early Children’s Park.
Boston, MA

Our team worked with Ellis Early Learning to renew a beloved community playground in Boston that had become unsafe and outdated over time. There were many issues that needed to be addressed, including tree roots creating tripping hazards and play equipment that was breaking down and no longer appropriate for the children using the space. The main priorities for the redesign were to eliminate safety concerns, preserve the existing trees, and create a play environment that better supported the developmental needs of the children.

To achieve this, our team completely removed all existing equipment and surfacing, which were unsuitable for the current age group. The playground was carefully re-graded to eliminate tripping hazards caused by tree roots, while areas where regrading alone wasn’t sufficient were transformed into new planting beds to discourage running through and tripping. These plantings also contribute to a more natural and inviting play environment.

New play equipment was introduced to accommodate a range of ages without the need for barriers or partitions, allowing the space to remain open and inclusive. The playground now supports a variety of play experiences—encouraging social and emotional development through dramatic play and fostering physical growth through climbing and movement.

The playground holds special significance for the neighborhood, as it is open to the public in an area where safe, accessible parks for young children are limited. One of the most beloved aspects of the space is its proximity to the nearby highway and commuter rail, where children often enjoy watching cars and trains pass by. To celebrate this daily excitement, the design includes a small hill along the parapet wall and fence that allows children to safely stand and enjoy the view.

In collaboration with a local artist, we also transformed the existing concrete parapet wall into a vibrant mural depicting a local train filled with children, set against the Boston skyline. The mural reflects both the neighborhood’s character and the children’s imagination, turning the playground into a meaningful and recognizable community landmark.