In about two months time, the new playground, accessible walking path and revamped basketball court at Lopes Playground will be done, transforming the recreational area into Lopes Park.

Construction of the new playground and walking path began last week and according to Marie Grieg a member of Wareham Community Outdoor Recreation, a non-profit group dedicated to creating all inclusive recreation areas, the work will be completed in eight weeks, weather permitting.

The new playground, replacing the old wooden structure which stood for 40 years, will improve the overall safety of the play area and be Americans with Disability Act compliant.

Grieg added the new playground will have mats on the ground to help improve accessibility.

Not everything at the playground is leaving. Staying at Lopes will be the current swing set, merry-go-round and a sensory swing designed for kids with special needs.

Grieg said the basketball court and baseball field will be getting some renovations too. She explained the basketball court will be painted and new backboards will be added to each hoop and the baseball field will get new stone dust for the infield and a new backstop.

In addition, accessible walking paths will be added around the park as well as birdhouses and other features to provide people with information about the local ecology as a part of the project.

The $750,000 cost it is being paid for using Community Preservation funds approved at the Fall 2024 Town Meeting. The town will receive $100,000 reimbursement grant from the state to help cover the cost.

The current wooden plank fence will also be extended to go all the way around the playground. Grieg said there are 100 new planks being added which anyone can pay $100 to sponsor a plank and have a message of their choosing engraved on the plank. Anyone interested in sponsoring a plank should call 508-317-4035.