Codman Square Park in Dorchester reopened this week following a $1.1 million renovation that city officials say will make the space more accessible, climate-resilient, and useful for community gatherings. The project was funded through the City of Boston’s capital plan, the Community Preservation Act, and contributions from municipal departments focused on green infrastructure and climate adaptation.
The upgrades include climate-resilient misting towers, rain gardens, and porous paving to address heat and stormwater management. A new performance stage, lawn seating mounds, café tables, restored monuments, improved lighting, and water bottle filling stations were added to support both daily use and larger events such as the Codman Square Farmers Market. Design was led by Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture, with construction carried out by ANJ Construction.
Public art is also central to the redesign. At the Washington and Talbot Streets entrance, the “I Am Codman Sq” sculpture by artist Destiny Palmer, created with metalwork artist Alaina Mahoney, reflects the area’s cultural identity. Seed funding for the work was provided by a 2019 grant secured by the Codman Square Neighborhood Council.
The Neighborhood Council and the Friends of Codman Square played a key role in moving the project forward. Community feedback gathered at meetings beginning in 2022 directly shaped the final design.
“We are thrilled for the Codman Square Park to be open. The Friends of Codman Square Park has worked diligently over the years to engage the community in a planning, designing and implementation process with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department,” said Cynthia Loesch-Johnson, President of the Codman Square Neighborhood Council. “The new design and powerful art installation will assist with activating the square and reimagining how we use this open space. We are excited for the return of the Codman Square Farmers Market and the many new events to take place in the park.”
“I would like to thank the Friends of Codman Square Park, the Codman Square Neighborhood Council, Mayor Wu, Parks and Recreation, the CPA team, and the many folks from the community who contributed countless hours to make the park a reality,” said State Representative Russell Holmes. “The park is a shining example of success for future generations of a community driven collaborative effort that considers the many voices and backgrounds that make Dorchester such a great community to live, work, and play.”
“Codman Square Park is an example of our city investing in building up its neighborhoods with community input. The new park will give residents and customers in the area an important public gathering spot,” said City Councilor Brian Worrell. “I hope this can help attract new businesses and spark investment in our storefronts in this area during a pivotal moment for Codman Square.”
