When Will Bingham Community Playground Open in Melrose?

In our latest You Ask, Patch Answers post, we answer this question: When will Bingham Community Playground open in Melrose?

Bingham Community Playground, formerly known as the Lincoln Tot Lot, is expected to open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, according to the playground's Facebook page.

The renovations of the playground began in late September, and "so far, so good! It looks like we are still on track for a Nov. 2 opening at 10 a.m. Hold the date!" reads a message posted on the Facebook page.

The city-owned playground lot, which is located on West Wyoming Avenue near Lincoln Elementary School, was named David Bingham Park to honor a Lincoln School grad who died while serving as a U.S. Marine in the Vietnam War.

Initially, the city had the playground renovations tabbed for 2014-2015; however, a $25,000 donation from the Scrivanos family, owners of the local Dunkin' Donuts stores, helped push the project completion date to this year. The playground group also sought to match the $25,000 donation, according to their Facebook page.

"This project is the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work by the Bingham Playground Committee," said Mayor Rob Dolan in a city press statement. "They set forth an aggressive schedule to have the park competed this year by utilizing shared contributions from the city, Dunkin' Donuts and donations from the businesses and residents of Melrose."

The playground equipment is geared toward children under the age of 5.

"The design incorporates safety certified equipment that utilizes recycled materials for construction," reads the statement. "The park will not only meet the needs and imaginations of the 5 and under group but will also accommodate children with disabilities with the incorporation of ADA certified equipment."

Melrose Sharing and Caring, a local nonprofit group, recently helped the cause, according to the playground's Facebook page.

"We were approached by Sharing and Caring (of) Melrose with a generous gift. They want to help make...Bingham one of the most accessible playgrounds in the region by adding another ramp, ADA swing and an accessible kaleidoscope," reads a message on the playground's Facebook page. "These gifts combined with the existing design ensures...Bingham will be accessible to all our young children, regardless of mobility."

The Lincoln School will be creating a school garden adjacent to the playground. 

"This is a true example of what volunteers can do in our community. This project was started by parents who took note that the equipment at the existing park was getting tired and becoming a hazard for the children," said Ward 5 Alderman Gail Infurna in the statement. "With the hard work of a core group through the summer, an aggressive campaign of fundraising was successful. Several key businesses stepped forward as well as Melrose families to provide the financial backing. We are so grateful to all who donated and to the Mayor's office and other city departments for their guidance and assistance."

"On behalf of the Bingham Playground Committee, thank you to everyone who donated their time and money to our cause," said Gary Romano, chairman of the playground committee and Melrose parent, in the statement. "We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our businesses, city, and families - their contributions will mean millions of smiles and great memories for our youngest children."

The playground group is currently seeking volunteers.

"We're moving into the next stage of the new playground - preparation of the grounds and installation," reads a message on the Facebook playground page, adding that the Melrose Department of Public Works is looking for volunteers on Thursday, Oct. 10, Friday, Oct. 11 and Tuesday, Oct. 15 to help in the process. "They would need people from 8 a.m. onward (you can volunteer for a portion of that time)."

Folks interested in volunteering can send a message via the playground Facebook page.

What are you looking forward to the most as far as the Bingham Community Playground project is concerned? Do you plan to volunteer? Will you be attending the opening in November? Let us know your thoughts by posting a comment below.