Cranshaw Construction Celebrates Opening of Newton Upper Falls Splash Park
Newton, Northland, Development, Splash Park, Grand Opening, Parks and Recreation, Kids, Fun, Summer, Landscape, Landscape Architecture
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Exterior photograph by Flaunt Boston of Splash Park in Newton
June 17, 2025 In new construction, News

Cranshaw Construction Celebrates Opening of Newton Upper Falls Splash Park

On Monday, June 16, 2025, Cranshaw Construction proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Newton Upper Falls Splash Park, in perfect timing for families to enjoy it throughout the summer season.

The park features a variety of water play elements, including streams, sprays, and mist, along with a log climber, seating areas, decorative plantings, and a trellis. It is also adjacent to and connected with the Upper Falls Greenway.

Developed by Northland in collaboration with the Newton Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture, the Splash Park is the first completed component of a larger mixed-use development planned by Northland at Oak and Needham Streets. Once fully built, the broader project will include more than 800 housing units, many of them affordable, as well as new restaurants, medical office space, and parking. At the ribbon cutting, Northland officially transferred ownership of the new park to the City of Newton in perpetuity.

In her remarks, Newton’s Mayor Ruthanne Fuller reflected on the community impact, “Northland and our city councilors worked together to reimagine this site, and I’m thrilled that the very first piece to open is a play area,” she said. Mayor Fuller also recognized Northland’s Peter Standish, Kent Gonzalez, and their team for their work with Nicole Banks, Commissioner of Parks, Recreation & Culture and her team in bringing the vision to life.

Commissioner Banks noted that the park’s realization is the result of more than five years of planning and dedication.

Jeff Fishbone, Cranshaw Construction’s Principal in Charge on the project, remarked, “It’s rewarding to see the first public space of this transformative development come to life. The Splash Park reflects Northland’s and the City’s shared commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive community spaces and we’re proud to help make that vision a reality.”

Other dignitaries in attendance included Newton City Council President Marc Laredo; Ward 5 Councilors Andreae Downs, Rena Getz, and Bill Humphrey; Ward 8 Councilors Richard Lipof and Stephen Farrell; Ward 6 Councilor Martha Bixby; Ward 3 Councilor Pamela Wright; as well as Newton Upper Falls Neighborhood Area Council President Julie Irish and Council Member Jack Neville. Representatives from the Planning Department were also present.

The park was designed by Stantec with landscape installation by Lahey Landscaping and hardscape installation by Dex by Terra.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in November of 2024 to mark the start of construction.

Photo: Flaunt Boston