Local News

Glowing swings at the Lawn on D removed after nearly ten years

"Swing Time" has been at a fixture of Lawn on D since its opening in 2014. But, "wear and tear has ultimately taken its toll."

"Swing Time" in 2014. Dina Rudick/Globe Staff.

July 14, 2024

The Instagrammable glowing oval swings at the Lawn on D in South Boston did not return to the event space this year.

The Lawn on D, the green space next to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, opened in 2014. The ovals — part of a public art installation called “Swing Time” — were installed that same year as a temporary installation.

Nearly ten years later, they were still attracting visitors to the space. But, Lawn on D, which is operated by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, announced the removal of “Swing Time” at the end of the 2023 season.

“We are grateful for the many seasons we’ve had with Swing Time, an installation originally planned to be in place for just a couple years,” they wrote on Instagram. “Swing-by-swing, wear and tear has ultimately taken its toll.”

Boston architectural firm Höweler+Yoon, also known for the Downtown Crossing stairs and their recent work on the Coolidge Corner Theatre renovation, designed the swings. In a recent statement to The Boston Globe, designers Eric Höweler and Meejin Yoon said the project “became part of Boston’s cultural landscape.”

“We were thrilled to see it embraced by so many, which suggests that ‘play’ and ‘fun’ are not just for kids,” they said.

“Swing Time” in 2014. – Courtesy of The Lawn on D

Lawn of D began their 2024 season June 29 with two new interactive installations designed by Boston-based designers that also utilize light. “Kaleidoscope Garden: Connect & Capture” is a light garden with a mirrored kaleidoscope, while “Urban Grove: Recharge & Reflect” is seating shaded with a leaf-like canopy that glows at night.

“We have a lot of great programming built into the calendar this year, with returning clients and community partnerships, as well as new adventures at one of Boston’s most innovative, inclusive and dynamic outdoor event spaces,” Gloria Larson, interim executive director of the MCCA, said in June.

The Lawn on D is open through October.