More Parking and ADA-Compliant Sidewalks Coming to Newton's Aurora Park

Upgrades to include expanded parking lot and new accessibility features

Mar. 20, 2026 at 2:53pm

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The city of Newton is adding over a dozen new parking spaces and installing ADA-compliant sidewalks and curb ramps at Aurora Park. The upgrades are being made due to the recent rehabilitation of the park's six tennis courts and the addition of two new courts, which required the removal of an existing parking lot that was encroaching on neighboring property.

Why it matters

The project will significantly increase the total parking capacity at Aurora Park, making it more accessible for visitors. The new ADA-compliant features will also improve accessibility for those with disabilities. These improvements align with the city's efforts to enhance public spaces and ensure equitable access.

The details

The project involves widening the existing parking area between East 21st Street South and East 23rd Street South, and creating head-in diagonal parking on both sides of the lot. This change will increase the total parking capacity to approximately 38 spaces, up from the previous 24 spaces. In addition, new ADA-compliant sidewalks and curb ramps will be installed throughout the park.

  • The project was awarded to Jerry Keenan Concrete, a Newton-based company, with a low bid of $29,967.
  • The funding for the project will come from the money set aside for the Tennis Court Project.

The players

Stacy Simbro

Newton City Council Member representing the Third Ward, who strongly supports the added parking at Aurora Park.

Jerry Keenan Concrete

The Newton-based company that was awarded the contract for the project with the low bid of $29,967.

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What they’re saying

“It looks like we are going from about 24 to 38 parking spaces. So it's quite a bit of an increase in parking. It's going to be ADA-compliant, it's in a central location, and it's not on the busy streets of 21st or 22nd. It's a nice addition even though it's not right by the pickleball courts like the other parking lot was.”

— Stacy Simbro, Newton City Council Member

The takeaway

This project demonstrates Newton's commitment to improving accessibility and enhancing public spaces for all residents. By increasing parking capacity and adding ADA-compliant features, the city is ensuring that Aurora Park is more inclusive and welcoming to visitors of all abilities.