All Invited to Healey Schoolyard and Joe Mackey Field Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Friday, May 26

All are invited to join Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 4 City Councilor Jesse Clingan, and Interim School Superintendent Jeff Curley, to celebrate the official opening of the redesigned Healey Schoolyard and Joe Mackey Field.  The ribbon cutting will take place on Friday, May 26, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Healey School, located at 5 Meecham Street.

“I am so thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of the awesomely redesigned Healey Schoolyard,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “This project is nothing short of transformative. What was once mostly barren hardtop is now a vibrant multi-purpose play, sports, and gathering space better connected to the neighborhood, with a sweeping view to boot. It is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our community members, city officials, and dedicated stakeholders that our vision for the Healey schoolyard is now a reality.”

The event will commence at 9 a.m. with welcoming remarks from Mayor Ballantyne, Councilor Clingan, and Superintendent Curley. Following remarks, the ribbon cutting will take place and attendees will have the opportunity to explore the transformed space.

The Healey Schoolyard and Joe Mackey Field have been thoughtfully designed and developed to foster an environment that promotes learning, physical activity, and community engagement. This revitalized space offers state-of-the-art amenities, including modern play structures, a sports field, and inviting green spaces, dozens of new trees, and an accessible ramp connecting the schoolyard to the Mystic Housing Development. 

The redesigned spaces are part of the City of Somerville’s ongoing commitment to creating more green space for community members to enjoy. Since 2010, nearly 21 new acres of open space have been created, representing about 20% progress toward the open space goals of SomerVision 2040. In addition to adding acreage, the City is focused on renovating existing parks and schoolyards. About 50 parks have been renovated to today’s standards since 2003.

The ribbon cutting will also be recorded and made available for later viewing by the City’s GovTV team. Watch on-demand with optional closed-captioning (select the CC icon) on YouTube.com/SomervilleCityTV. Or watch on cable TV at GovTV Comcast Ch. 22 and GovTV Astound (RCN) Ch. 13 & 613. Videos generally post within one to two business days of recording.   

To learn more, please contact Arn Franzen, Director of Parks and Open Space by emailing Afranzen@somervillema.gov or calling (617) 625-6600 x2545.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov. 

Interpretation into Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Kreyol, Nepali, Mandarin, Cantonese, or other languages may be available upon advance request by contacting the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somerviva@somervillema.gov or calling 311 at 617-666-3311