Brookline officials approve upgrades for Schick Park and Amery Playground

The Select Board Meeting held on May 20, 2025, in Brookline, Massachusetts, focused on significant infrastructure improvements, particularly in transportation and park facilities. The meeting featured presentations from key department heads, including Dan Murphy, Director of Transportation Engineering, and Miri Pradhan, Director of Parks and Open Space.

The first agenda item addressed was the approval of contract 24 16 for transportation mobility projects. Dan Murphy reported that the project, which had been in design for over a year, aims to improve several streets, primarily Russet, South Tully, and Heath. The project has received four bids, with the lowest bid coming in at $1.4 million. Murphy emphasized the long-standing community request for these road improvements and sought the board's approval to award the contract.

Following the transportation discussion, Miri Pradhan presented updates on two park projects: Schick Park and Amery Playground. Both projects underwent extensive community engagement, including three public design review meetings. Pradhan highlighted the need for upgrades at Schick Park, which will include new playground equipment, a basketball court, and enhancements to ensure ADA compliance. The construction is set to begin in early summer, during which the park will be closed.

Similarly, the Amery Playground project will address the urgent need for renovations, including the complete replacement of tennis courts and improvements to drainage and accessibility. Pradhan noted that while most of the park will be closed during construction, the main ball field is expected to remain open.

The meeting concluded with a call for questions, and both Murphy and Pradhan expressed their readiness to provide further information. The board's approval of these projects is anticipated to enhance the community's recreational spaces and transportation infrastructure, reflecting the needs and priorities of Brookline residents.