Rob Gronkowski donates $1.2 million to renovate Boston’s Charlesbank Playground

BOSTON — Former New England Patriots and current tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rob Gronkowski, “Gronk,” is set to donate $1.2 million to fully renovate the Charlesbank Playground that’s located in DCR’s Charles River Reservation Esplanade on Leverett Circle in Boston.

Friday afternoon, Governor Charlie Baker is expected to announce the donation during a ceremony with Gronk and the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation at 1:30 p.m.

“On behalf of my family, we knew we wanted to do something big for kids in this community. Building a playground was an idea that I thought of because I wanted to show appreciation for the amazing support that I have received while playing in New England. Having it on the Esplanade in Boston, where the duck boats ride down the river, makes this extra special for me. I’m going to be involved with the design process. We are excited to make this the best playground in the area, to further inspire kids to enjoy exercise and get outdoors,” Gronkowski said.

Gronk will be there to present the donation to Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Kathleen Theoharides, Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Jim Montgomery, and Esplanade Association Executive Director Michael Nichols.

The donation will be put towards the demolition of the current playground. It will also help with the design, materials, and labor of the new playground, which will be unveiled in 2022.

For those interested in watching the ceremony at 1:30 p.m., click here.

Cox Media Group