It’s time for compliments, resulting from the opening day of the Lawn on D on Saturday, May 21, for the summer of 2016. But the biggest compliment that can be paid to the Lawn on D is the presence of the crowd that more than eagerly anticipated the lawn’s first day of its summer season. Families came and went, but it seemed that 500 or more were on hand for the entire time.
Equal numbers of adults and kids mobbed the Lawn on D’s patented crescent swings – selfies were encouraged. The youngsters enjoyed a bubble bath filled with light plastic balls. They jumped onto and then rode inflatables of all kinds. There were miniature houses, crawl spaces, and hidey-holes everywhere. Creative tables let the kids make butterflies; they watched hand puppets wrangle with each other. It was really, truly a non-stop, safe, memorable play afternoon for the kids
And it wasn’t that the adults had nothing to do. Ping-pong – with more or less accuracy – was popular, as were bocce and beanbag tossing – with mostly less accuracy. Should we point out how bad the adult aims were? Among the adults were South Boston’s Bob O’Shea and the new (since January) Executive Director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority David Gibbons. Both of them were visibly pleased with the crowds and the overwhelming reception of the summer of 2016 Lawn on D opening day.
A truly vibrant steel band entertained the crowd in the Pavilion. The Steel Rhythms had that Jamaica sound down pat. Shades of Harry Belafonte, the Lord Invader, the Kingston Trio (and Kingston itself, of course). The most expert of the Calypso dancers were the children, who were brought to the bandstand by their parents. The parents watched while the kids danced. How is it that children who can barely walk dance so well?
In the informal conversation with O’Shea and Gibbons, they mentioned the extensive summer programs being planned for the Lawn on D. Among them are offerings by the Boston Public Library and the Museum of Fine Arts. As a just one example, the Lawn on D’s opening afternoon last Saturday was followed by an adult dance that evening, a jazz brunch on Sunday morning, and another afternoon of playtime for kids of all ages. There’ll be something for everyone all summer long on the Lawn on D. In just under two years, the Lawn on D has become an instant South Boston tradition.
The Lawn On D is now open (with food and beverage service available during these times) through Labor Day on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 8 p.m., according to a press release. From Labor Day through Columbus Day, the lawn will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 7 p.m.
The tent on the Lawn on D is jam-packed with happy revelers at the opening on May 21, 2016. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
Bucky Fuller would be happy that his geodesic dome frame is such a great toy. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
A miniature paradise for kids at the opening of the Lawn on D. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
Children play in a ball pit at the Lawn on Day on May 21, 2016. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
The bright orange on the tubes reflects the excitement of the kids on the Lawn on D. (Photos by Rick Winterson)
It’s quiet time while children make butterflies on the Lawn on D. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
A crowd gathered for the Lawn on D’s opening on Saturday, May 21, 2016. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
Kids ride inflated animal toys on the Lawn on D. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
South Boston’s Bobby O’Shea and Massachusetts Convention Center Authority Executive Director David Gibbons are delighted with the turnout at the 2016 opening day of the Lawn on D. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
A nice touch for the kids – real, “live” hand puppets try to grow an acorn on the Lawn on D’s puppet stage. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
Cornhole entices more adults than kids at the Lawn on D opening day. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
The Steel Rhythms regale the crowd – young and old alike – at the Lawn on D.
How is it that kids can dance before they really walk very well? (Photo by Rick Winterson)
An intense game of ping pong – one of the lawn games available – at the Lawn on D. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
