Hundreds gathered at Walker Playground, also called Norfolk Park, in Mattapan on Thursday, June 30, to celebrate the official opening of the complete renovation of the park and the basketball courts. The renovations have been in the works and on the drawing board since 2018, but the official end of construction was celebrated Thursday during Mayor Michelle Wu’s Mattapan Coffee Hour. The Park renovations included a renovated play area, a splash pad, new shade shelter, a walking loop, and renovations to the playing field.

The ribbon cutting was bolstered by a lively Coffee Hour hosted by Mayor Michelle Wu, with a special cameo by incoming Supt. Mary Skipper – who had just been offered the school department’s top job the night before. The event was the conclusion of the Mayor’s Coffee Hour series for this summer.

Seth Daniel photos

Scarlett Rogers puts the signature orange on a community mural depiction of the Mattapan High Speed Trolley.

Mayor Michelle Wu welcomes Mattapan neighbors to the new park, alongside Chief Mariama White-Hammond, State Rep. Russell Holmes, and Councillor Michael Flaherty.

Mark and Lucy McGonagle, 8, of Dorchester enjoy a sunny summer morning in South Boston during Mayor Michelle Wu’s Neighborhood Coffee Hour at Medal of Honor Park on June 29. The citywide series was hosted by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with Dunkin’ and Star Market with additional support provided by City Express.  Jon Seamans photo

Kay Savage of Mattapan Food & Fitness, with Chavella Lee and Nature and Nova-Hru Lee-Stringer.

Hadassah Joy Verly was ready to climb into summer on the new play structures at Walker Playground in Mattapan.

Barbara Crichlow, of the West Selden Street Neighborhood Association, City Chief of Engagement Briana Millor, and Joslyn Headley.