Our neighborhood playground, at the corner of Clarendon Street and Commonwealth Avenue, provides a wonderful setting for families to congregate and get to know one another. Local schools, whose students come from all parts of the city, also use this outdoor play space almost daily.

The playground is maintained through the combined efforts of the City, NABB, the Garden Club of the Back Bay and local schools and residents. NABB's Playground Committee oversees the park and organizes a year-round schedule of fundraising and holiday events. The ever- popular Picnic Basket Auction is now in its 21st year.

In 1996, after weathering almost 20 years of heavy use and New England winters, the playground underwent a major renovation. While honoring the integrity of the original design of the park, new equipment and play surfaces were installed to meet current safety standards and access laws.

Those neighborhood families who regularly use the playground view it as a community treasure. Thanks to this committee's dedicated volunteers, it continues to serve as a restful green space within a bustling urban neighborhood.

To add your name to the Playground list, or to volunteer for this committee,

please contact Kelli O'Brien at ksrobrien@yahoo.com or Ashley Ray at ashray0@earthlink.net.