New play structure is on the way for Lopes playground

After over 40 years on Onset Avenue, Lopes Playground is getting a makeover as the current wooden structure is set to be taken down next week and construction of the new playground will begin in March.

According to Marie Greig, a member of Wareham Community Outdoor Recreation, a non-profit group dedicated to creating all inclusive recreation areas, the wooden structure will be removed and many of the non-wooden structures will be donated for use elsewhere.

Entirely new, modern and accessible play structures will be installed, in the wooden structure’s place. 

Staying at Lopes will be the current swing set, merry-go-round and a sensory swing designed for kids with special needs.

Greig added the new playground will feature mats along the bottom to improve accessibility.

The new playground will be Americans with Disability Act compliant and 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.

In addition to the new playground, 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 construction timeline is dependent on weather.