The new inclusive Friendship Park playground is planned to open Summer 2018.

For Questions About Park Use Or Concerns Please Contact:

Steve Callaghan, Town of Chelmsford Playground Coordinator, scallaghan@townofchelmsford.us
Kathleen Canavan, Town of Chelmsford Public Facilities Director, kcanavan@townofchelmsford.us

The policy of the Town is that parks are public and available for use to all. There are no reservations or restrictions, just the standard use guidelines as posted. They ask that you pack in pack out your trash and supplies due to limited staffing on site.

Friendship Park – Generations Of Play

Roberts Field was originally farmland, and in the late 1960’s the Town of Chelmsford purchased the property known as “Roberts’ Land at Old Westford” to build a school.  The school was ultimately located elsewhere, and a 1970 Special Town Meeting voted to build a fire station on the property and designated the remaining area for recreational purposes.

In 1973 the Parents’ Association for Recreation for Children (PARC) gifted the Town with the first playground at Roberts Field.  The metal playground was paid for by donations from Chelmsford businesses and featured a tall witch themed structure with slides, climbing dome and swings.

In 1995, a new playground, upper parking lot and brick pathway were built.  The volunteer group Friends of the Park worked with the Town of Chelmsford to build the new playground.  It featured large wooden, steel and plastic play structures, slides, swings, climbing areas, a sandbox and wooden car.  The original engraved brick pathway and stone marker feature the names of donors and supporters of the playground. The playground was named through a community contest where eight-year old Lisa won with the name “Friendship Park”.  She chose this name because she felt the playground would be a great place for kids to make friends. 

The 2017 Fall Town Meeting approved the use of Community Preservation Funds to rebuild a new Friendship Park.  The Friends of Roberts Field were charged with fundraising and the Roberts Field Advisory Committee led a community-driven design and build effort to create a playground that is accessible for all. In 2018, the new inclusive designed Friendship Park playground opened.  This new playground was once again created through a partnership among the residents, local businesses, and the Town of Chelmsford. In keeping with tradition, an engraved brick pathway and stone marker feature the name of donors and supporters of the new Friendship Park.