During a recent government meeting, Benjamin Tupper, a member of the Dorchester 2024 leadership team, presented an ambitious project aimed at enhancing Azalea Park with a Children's Discovery Garden. The initiative, proposed by Amy Evans, director of the Sunwell Parks department, seeks to transform an underutilized wooded area behind the tennis courts into an engaging nature playground.

The project features a variety of interactive structures designed to foster learning and play, including a large painted turtle sculpture, musical elements, and stepping stones. Tupper highlighted the careful planning involved, ensuring that the installation of benches would not disturb the existing tree root systems. The centerpiece of the garden will be a learning stage or amphitheater, intended to serve as a multifunctional space for educational activities.

The turtle sculpture, a significant feature of the playground, will be constructed from glass fiber reinforced concrete and is designed to be securely anchored to withstand use. The project aims to create a vibrant community space that encourages outdoor exploration and learning for children.

As the project progresses, Tupper emphasized the importance of community involvement and support, indicating that the leadership team is committed to ensuring the garden becomes a cherished addition to Azalea Park.