Playground Dedicated to Fallen Boston Firefighters

July 26--The playground at Billings Field in West Roxbury will be dedicated today to the memory of fallen Hub firefighters Lt. Edward J. Walsh Jr. and Michael R. Kennedy, who both once called the park their home.

"We hope it's a place where families can come and enjoy and also take a moment to remember the two firefighters who gave their life for the city," said Boston Fire Department spokesman Steven MacDonald, who went on to thank the city of Boston for the dedication.

Both firefighters from Engine 33, Ladder 15 died in March while battling a nine-alarm blaze at a brownstone in the Back Bay. The park's playground will be named "The Lt. Edward Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy Tot Lot" at a dedication at 10 a.m. today.

It's the same playground Kennedy played in as a child and Walsh brought his children to, said park officials.

Benches will be dedicated to each of the firefighters -- and situated perfectly so parents can sit and watch their children play. There are also two firetruck walls, one on each section of the playground, and behind the walls are wheels so children can pretend they are driving a red fire engine.

The park project had a design budget of $47,000 and construction budget of $451,600 funded by the city's Capital Improvement Plan.

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