O’Connell and Parks & Recreation Celebrate Grand Opening of Davol Park Featuring Taunton’s First Dog

For Immediate Release: 10/16/2025

Taunton, MA - On October 15, 2025, Mayor Shaunna O'Connell, Parks & Recreation Commissioner AJ Marshall and the Parks & Recreation Commission proudly celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the newly reinvented Davol Park-a project that transforms one of Taunton's historic parks into a vibrant, multi-use recreational destination for residents of all ages.

O'Connell expressed her pride and appreciation for the teamwork that made the project possible, saying: "Davol Park's reinvention is a shining example of what collaboration and shared commitment can achieve. This beautiful space reflects our ongoing dedication to building a thriving, healthy, and connected community. From new pickleball courts to Taunton's first dog park, this park has something for everyone and will serve as a gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors for generations to come."

The redesigned park features six pickleball courts, bocce and shuffleboard areas, horseshoe pits, cornhole courts, a walking track with outdoor exercise stations, a new pavilion for community gatherings, public restrooms, and-marking an exciting first for the City of Taunton-separate large and small dog parks for residents and their four-legged friends to enjoy.

Parks & Recreation Commissioner AJ Marshall highlighted the collective effort behind the transformation: "This project represents the very best of what happens when state, city, and local leaders work together toward a common goal. The Mayor and her team were 100% behind this project from its inception. From planning to planting, this was a true team effort-one that has resulted in a park we can all be proud of."

This major investment in the City's recreation spaces was made possible through collaboration between the Office of Economic and Community Development, the City of Taunton Capital Improvement Plan, and the Myles Standish Phase 4 and 5 DIF Funding Program, which continues to invest in projects that enhance neighborhoods and quality of life for residents.

In partnership with the Department of Conservation & Recreation's Greening the Gateway Program under the guidance of Forester Nathan Nuby, more than 50 new trees were planted throughout the park, providing shade, beauty, and environmental benefit while saving the City thousands of dollars in landscaping costs.

The City extended special thanks to Green Acres Landscaping, a local family-owned firm recognized for its exceptional craftsmanship on numerous park projects across Taunton-including Hopewell Park, Memorial Park Streetscape, Flannery Playground, and the Weir Splash Pad. GCG Associates, led by Mike and Kevin Carter, also received praise for their design expertise in bringing the park's vision to life.

The City also recognized Chief Financial Officer Patrick Dello Russo, Executive Director of Office of Economic and Community Development Jay Pateakos; OECD Assistant Director Jim Howland; and the Taunton Parks & Recreation Commission for their leadership and dedication to enhancing Taunton's parks and open spaces: Brian Friary (Chairman), Bob Casey, Dyann Nunes, Jay Moran, and Larry Quintal.

The reinvention of Davol Park is the latest milestone in the City of Taunton's ongoing investment in public recreation, neighborhood revitalization, and community well-being. ###

Davol Park Before and After Photos: