State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced $50,000 in special funding to help upgrade the wooden playground at Watertown’s historic Thompson Park. 

The wooden playground, which sits atop Thompson Park—an Olmsted park designed by the group led by Frederick Law Olmsted, which was responsible for designing New York City’s Central Park, Boston Commons, the very first State Park in the nation at Niagara Falls and other famous spaces—has been in existence for nearly three decades and has recently begun to show its age.

“The fact that Watertown is on the list of places home to an “Olmsted Park” is nothing short of amazing, and speaks to the city’s promise at the height of the industrial age,” said Senator Ritchie.

“By continuing to invest in the park, and working to maintain it as a centerpiece of Watertown’s revitalization points to the City and region’s bright future.  I’m pleased to announce $50,000 in special funding to help the City of Watertown as they work to upgrade the playground and improve Thompson Park as a whole.”

City leaders are praising funding secured by Senator Ritchie to help upgrade the park. 

“For decades, Thompson Park has stood as a gem of the City of Watertown and ensuring that it remains that way for many more years to come means making the necessary improvements to keep people coming back,” said Mayor Jeffrey Graham. “Funding secured by Senator Ritchie will help us to upgrade Thompson Park’s playground, making it safer for children and their families.”

“It’s our goal to make Watertown a place where people want to raise their families, and a big part of that is making sure there are safe—and fun—activities for children,” said Scott Weller, Assistant Superintendent of Parks and Recreation. “We cannot thank Senator Ritchie enough for this support, which will help us as we continue to work to improve recreational opportunities here in the City.”

Funding secured by Senator Ritchie will allow the City of Watertown to either repair or replace the playground.  Final release of funds is subject to state approval.