The children of Needham are one step closer to being able to swing, climb and play at a new playground at Greene’s Field.  This week, The Kyle W. Shapiro Foundation stepped forward with a generous donation of $50,000 to become the Grand Sponsor of the Greene’s Field Playground.  The Kyle W. Shapiro Foundation was established in honor of Needham High School Student Kyle Shapiro to fund programs to assist youth in the community. 

“The fundraising committee is very thankful for the support of Ruth Bonsignore and Andy Shapiro, trustees of the Kyle W. Shapiro Foundation,” said Alison Borrelli, chair of the Greene’s Field Fundraising Committee.  “They expressed to us that the recreation at Greene’s Field provided their family with the opportunity for meaningful friendships and want to ensure that this treasured space continues as a place where families gather, meet and enjoy our community.   This is what the Greene’s Field Playground Committee wishes to preserve by creating a destination park in downtown Needham.”

Additionally, the fundraising committee is pleased to announce a $12,000 donation from Parent Talk.  Parent Talk will be the sole sponsor of the Go Greene St. Patrick’s Day fundraising party to be held on March 16^th at Needham Town Hall.  Tickets will go on sale February 1^st.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available and more information about donor recognition can be found at http://www.greenesfield.org/donate/sponsorship-levels/. 

There is still time for residents and businesses to support the Greene’s Field playground by buying a board on what will be a highlight of the playground project – the Community Boardwalk.  Each four-foot wide board can be engraved with a personal message.  When the playground is constructed, the boards will be joined together to form a unique boardwalk.  It is a perfect way for families, kids, teams, troops and businesses to leave a lasting impression on Needham. A sample of the board can be viewed and purchased at www.greenesfield.org.

The new Greene’s Field playground will replace the one that was deemed unsafe and torn down in 2010.  Two structures will be built -- one for younger children and a more challenging one for older children. The playground project is part of a larger revitalization of Greene’s Field and construction is scheduled to get underway this summer.  The overall project includes planting new grass for the playing fields, renovating the basketball court, constructing a relaxing walking path and  installing beautiful landscaping.  For more information, please visit www.greenesfield.org. 

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