By Jess Wilson and Brianna Martinez, Design Planners, City of Lowell

In one of the most ambitious investments in public space in recent Lowell history, the City is transforming 11 parks, with eight using funds form the American Rescue Plan Act (nearly tripling the typical pace of projects per year). Highlighting this work is Jackson Street Park, which will be the first new park constructed in Lowell in over a decade.

Most of the work has already begun, with each site thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of its surrounding neighborhood while contributing to citywide goals around sustainability and recreation.

This large-scale effort is a powerful testament to the City’s commitment to building a community-focused and climate-resilient Lowell where residents can access high-quality outdoor spaces. More than just a beautification project, these renovations and developments will honor the unique context of each neighborhood while ensuring accessibility; 92 percent of Lowell residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.

Throughout all 11 parks, the City is making a strong environmental investment, planting 166 trees and more than 1,600 native shrubs and perennials. These enhancements not only rejuvenate our neighborhoods but also provide vital shade, support biodiversity, and help reduce urban heat. Four of the parks will include bioretention features designed to capture and manage stormwater to protect waterways and improve local resilience to weather.

In addition to environmental improvements, many of the parks incorporate historical, cultural, and artistic aspects.

For example, the upgraded playground at Hadley Park features a canal boat play structure in homage to the former Middlesex Canal, which is buried under the park, and a new shipping container concession stand at North Common will provide a surface for a new mural in the park. These unique aspects will infuse the City’s public spaces with local creativity and identity.

All projects include accessibility upgrades, building upon the City’s commitment to providing public spaces that are safe and fun for all ages and abilities. In 2023, Lowell proudly became the first municipality in the country to install Alternative/Augmentative Communication (AAC) signs at all of its 45 public playgrounds and pools to aid in non-verbal communication. The City is excited to build on this legacy with an additional seven playgrounds to be upgraded for accessibility and inclusivity in 2025.

With all of these improvements underway, it is the perfect time to think about what’s next for the City’s parks and open spaces.

Residents can help prioritize the next ten years of investment by participating in the Open Space & Recreation Plan Update, with many engagement events and online participation opportunities throughout the summer and fall. Together, these projects reflect what’s possible when public space is centered as essential urban infrastructure to support our well-being and strengthen the city many call home.

For more information on the projects and other ongoing open space initiatives, please visit: https://www.lowellma.gov/1653/Open-Space-Projects