Looking Good: Renovated Pico Park Officially Opens

Pico Park, you never looked so good.

Town officials and the Winthrop Parks Committee participated in a ceremony Aug. 8 to mark the completion of renovations at the playground located off of Pico Avenue.

The park was completely refurbished and repaved and has a new basketball court, street hockey area, play area, and playground equipment. Youths were seen using the park both before and

Town manager James McKenna thanked the volunteer Parks Committee headed by chairperson Dawn Sullivan, for their efforts in renovating the park.

“We felt that this was a place that needed some attention and we’re grateful that so many volunteers came forward and offered their time and attention to detail of what we see today,” said McKenna.

McKenna said the equipment and the state of the park clearly needed improvements.

“So we put some resources together and brought the proposal in front of the Council and I want to thank the councilors for their support and commitment to restoring all the parks. This is the second stop in the park restoration effort of the town. We started last year with Dawes Playground and that came out nice as well.”

McKenna also commended DPW Director Steve Calla for his key role in the renovation of the park. “The way you pulled together the resources and equipment and managed the project – you and the DPW did a marvelous job.”

Sullivan thanked McKenna, Calla, Council President Peter Gill, and Director of Parks and Recreation Sean Driscoll for their support and collaboration on the project. The Council, at the direction of McKenna, appropriated $25,000 toward the park project while Sullivan and the committee also held fundraisers.

“This is really a town wide effort even though this is a neighborhood park,” said Sullivan. “We couldn’t have done it without all of you who donated money and time and sweat to help us out here. It just shows how special Winthrop is and how special this neighborhood and community area.”

Gill, who proposed the formation of the Parks Committee, said his children used to play in Pico Park.

“We’ve had some younger people move in to the neighborhood since then and an energetic Dawn Sullivan came in and we had a vision,” said Gill. “The level of energy and spirit that Dawn came up with is what’s responsible for this park. I’m very proud of the committee and I thank you for all you’ve done.”

Councilor Linda Calla also praised the Parks Committee. “I want to congratulate everyone – you did a fabulous job,” she said.

Gill said the Coughlin and Pond Street parks are next in the Parks Committee’s restoration plans.