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The Lawn on D scores an A with parkgoers ahead of winter closing – Metro US

The Lawn on D scores an A with parkgoers ahead of winter closing

The Lawn on D scores an A with parkgoers ahead of winter closing

Busy Bostonians looking for a unique and comfortable outdoor space to unwind in the fall weather may want to head to the Lawn on D in South Boston before it closes for the cold season in less than two weeks.

The last day for residents to enjoy friendly games of cornhole, frisbee, bocce, and ping-pong as well as food trucks and an outdoor beer garden is Nov. 2, according to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, which owns the nearly 3-acre plot.

Located between the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and D Street, the park was built as a temporary, experimental outdoor space.

Since opening in August, the public response has been overwhelmingly positive, according to MCCA spokeswoman Katie Hauser.

“It’s been successful beyond our expectations. We had an idea that it would be a cool, new thing for people to do in the city, but we didn’t realize it would take off like this,” said Hauser.

The park was slated to remain at its D Street location for an 18-month period in order for the MCCA to experiment with different types of programming. The test-run would help developers plan for a permanent outdoor space that will be a part of the Boston Convention Center’s expansion

Lawngoers Colleen Murphy and Kelly Bryden swung with a carefree grace on suspended white hoops at the park Monday night, laughing and chatting with each other.

The pair rode their bicycles for two hours to reach the Lawn on D after learning about the space on social media.

“We go to school for art, so installations like this really interest me,” said Bryden, who studies graphic design at Northeastern University. “I like that the swings have an interactive aspect because they change color.”

The swing-set, a lighting-enabled piece from Howeler + Yoon Architecture, was installed in September, and is one of several artworks to come out of the D Street ArtLAB.

Murphy said she believes Boston could use more fun outdoor spaces for adults.

“We were just saying how we wish there were playgrounds for us. As adults, we don’t have places to just play and hang out. All we can really do is sit on a bench,” Murphy said.

“And this is free,” said Bryden. “Say you want to go bowling. That’s like 30 bucks.”

Murphy said she’d love to see the lawn stay open through the winter, despite the frigid temperatures.

“It would be awesome if these swings had heaters,” Murphy quipped, continuing her airy oscillation.

Most programming from Thursdays through Sundays is free and open to the public.

The space occasionally hosts private events.

Visit www.lawnond.com for a weekly schedule.