South Mill Pond Playground

South Mill Playground

Background

This project, included in the capital budget for FY25, replaced the existing South Mill playground with a new, universal design, ADA-compliant, age-friendly, inclusive playground. Phase 2 of the project will include the addition of ADA-compliant, family-friendly restroom facilities instead of the port-a-potties and an upgraded parking lot. The goal is to convert South Mill Pond Playground into the most utilized, dynamic, barrier-free destination playground for Portsmouth and its visitors and the gold standard for Universally Accessible and Inclusive playgrounds.

Having received the needed wetlands permit from the NH Department of Environmental Services, this project started with the installation of construction fencing and a silt sock on September 29, 2025 and was completed in a matter of weeks.  A ribbon-cutting was held on December 1, 2025.

The playground is part of the Recreation Department's South Mill Pond Recreation Complex that incorporates pickleball, basketball and tennis courts, as well as Leary Field and the dog park. This area is also host to multiple city events such as the July 3 fireworks and the Easter Egg Hunt.

The design, created by Ulti-Play Parks & Playgrounds, meets and exceeds the latest Americans with Disabilities Act and Universal Design standards.

So Mill Pond Playground ribbon cutting.

Mayor Deaglan McEachern joins Portsmouth kids to cut the ribbon on the reimagined South Mill Pond Playground. Image courtesy of Roger Goun.