Shadley Associates lead a team of consultants in the full replacement of the Boston Charlesbank Playground for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Located on the Boston Esplanade between Storrow Drive and the Charles River in the West End neighborhood, the playground, renamed Gronk Playground, is funded by a generous donation from retired NFL tight end, Rob Gronkowski, through his Gronk Nation Youth Foundation. The design creates increased physical fitness opportunities for multiple age groups. A custom football climber is the focal play element along with Boston-inspired custom play elements including duck boats, a Zakim Bridge climber, and custom play panels that encourage physical exercise and movement, while being fun and welcoming for children of all abilities. The design includes new rubber safety surfacing, benches and salvaged granite blocks for seating, and preserves the two mature Elms in the playground. Construction of Gronk Playground was completed in 2025.
