The project: Marcella playground, located in Roxbury, MA, underwent a comprehensive renovation to transform it
into a vibrant community park serving a densely populated residential area. The project included major upgrades across the park’s full footprint, ranging from sports facilities to inclusive play areas. IMEG led the redesign in collaboration with the local community and stakeholders.

The goal: The primary goal was to create a safe, engaging, and accessible park that reflects the community’s needs and encourages greater year-round usage by people of all ages. This included enhancing recreational offerings, improving circulation and safety, and giving the park a unique visual identity connected to local heritage.

The design: The renovation included new walking paths, age-appropriate playground structures for children aged 2–5 and 5–12, a splash pad, a performance stage, passive picnic areas, basketball and tennis courts, and a full-sized baseball field with sports lighting. IMEG facilitated several community meetings –including sessions directly with children and parents – to inform play equipment selection.

Key changes included removing perimeter fencing to improve openness and access, constructing a new outfield fence to protect the baseball field from through-traffic, and replacing deteriorated concrete bleachers and a retaining wall to open up and regrade the space for safe, natural lawn seating. Technical challenges, such as court settlement issues, were addressed with a post-concrete system for the tennis courts, ensuring durability.

The playground was designed in the theme of a sunflower to honor the late Samantha Sadd, a beloved community member and youth advocate. The design incorporated customized play features and a refurbished wrought-iron fence retrofitted at the Ritchie Street entrance to unify the park’s appearance and promote sustainability.

The outcome: Since its renovation, Marcella Playground has become a highly utilized and celebrated neighborhood park. Its welcoming layout, modern amenities, and meaningful community-driven design have transformed it into a vibrant public space that meets recreational, cultural, and social needs.