The original playground was built over a five-day period in 1989 by over 1,000 community volunteers.
The 2016 renovation was funded largely through local donations and private fundraising efforts rather than relying solely on municipal budgets.
The park layout is intentionally designed to resemble a maze to encourage creative role-play and exploration.
The structures are constructed from high-durability, engineered materials selected to withstand harsh New England winters while minimizing splinters common in older wooden playgrounds.
Joey’s Park is a popular community-built wooden playground located on the grounds of the Winn Brook Elementary School in Belmont. The park was originally constructed through a massive community effort in 1989 and underwent a significant renovation and modernization project in 2016 to replace aging structures with durable, inclusive play equipment. It features a sprawling wooden structure designed to mimic a fortress, complete with towers, tunnels, bridges, and slides. The design prioritizes accessibility, incorporating features that allow children of varying physical abilities to play together. The surrounding area includes open grassy fields suitable for picnics and sports. The park is managed by the Belmont Recreation Department and remains a central gathering point for local families. Its layout provides distinct zones for different age groups, ranging from toddlers to elementary-aged children.
The elevated central watchtower bridge provides the best vantage point for capturing the scale of the complex wooden design.
Visit during school hours on weekdays if you prefer a quieter environment, as the playground is heavily used by students during recess.
Bring sun protection, as the play structures are largely exposed to direct sunlight.
Utilize the nearby school grounds for overflow parking when the street-side spots are full.
Do not park in designated school faculty or restricted pickup/drop-off zones during active school hours.
The playground is restricted for public use during school hours on weekdays, typically mid-morning through early afternoon.
Adult supervision is required; maintain the cleanliness of the wooden structures by avoiding eating or drinking while playing on the equipment.
