Boston Common Tadpole Playground

The Tadpole Playground on the Boston Common is overdue for improvements, and the needs placed on this well used, beloved playground have outgrown the equipment and tight urban footprint.

As a follow-on project stemming from the Boston Common Master Plan effort, Weston & Sampson is working with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department to design improvements to the playground that will build off the goals and recommendations included in the master plan.

The planned improvements will include creating new and innovative types of play, establishing new accessible connections, and expanding the playground’s amenities. By increasing the playground’s footprint from the current 5,500 square feet to approximately 15,000 square feet, the playground will be able to better serve the community’s needs.

The project team conceived of and executed an engagement strategy to connect with students from the Josiah Quincy Elementary School; this engagement resulted in the formation of a student advisory group dubbed the “Lilypad Idea Lab.” These students were involved in every stage of the design process through different workshop sessions and learned about the concept development, construction, and stewardship that goes into making a playground. The important input, insight, and contributions of the Lilypad Idea Lab members have been critical to shaping Weston & Sampson’s concept development efforts.

The improvements to the Tadpole Playground will build upon what’s great about the existing playground and transform the recreation amenity into a modern and inclusive version that serves the needs of the growing, dynamic population that uses it.