Gronk Playground, slated to open this summer, is the latest transformation of Boston’s Charles River Esplanade. The playground, named after former New England Patriots Tight End, Rob Gronkowski, will share much more than the four-time Super Bowl champion’s name.
The pending playground comes sponsored by The Esplanade Association, Department of Conservation and Recreation of Massachusetts (dcr), and Gronk Nation Youth Foundation—Gronkowski’s family-operated non-profit dedicated to inspiring youth to realize their maximum potential across disciplines through fitness.
A sign where the new playground will soon plant its roots reads:
The brand new playground will increase physical fitness opportunities for children of all ages and abilities.
Designed with a modernized approach to playgrounds, Gronk Playground presents a play escape with fitness in mind. The layout also fosters connection and community, inspiring children to engage through the freedom of play. The equipment will consider children of all ages and physical capabilities, to foster inclusivity.
Gronk Playground rendering
A touch of local charm will be featured throughout Gronk Playground with scaled-down replicas of Boston’s most iconic landmarks, like a miniature Charles River flowing throughout the space, and a Boston Marathon route to inspire future marathoners!
A new era of waterfront play coming summer 2025
A generous $1.8 million donation courtesy of Gronk Nation Youth Foundation makes the new playground possible. “Gronk said he is bringing the biggest and baddest slide to the Gronk Playground! In addition to the brand new slide, the new playground will have more modernized and more accessible equipment for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy,” notes the Esplanade Association.
The new playground is conveniently located behind the Museum of Science, making it the perfect area for a full day of adventure with the kids. The Gronk Playground is expected to touchdown along the Charles River in summer 2025! Stay tuned for more updates on an official opening date.