Dedham secured a $409,248 state grant to replace Lewis Playground at Barnes Memorial Park on Eastern Avenue.

The Healey-Driscoll administration awarded the funding on July 10 through the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Grant Program as part of more than $13 million directed to 45 projects statewide, as first reported by Patch. The grant will fund new equipment, accessible routes and inclusive play features at the Eastern Avenue park.

The playground is 28 years old, well past the 15-to-20-year lifespan the Dedham Parks and Recreation Department cited in a January capital budget presentation.

That presentation laid out the case for a full replacement. The department cited aging materials, limited accessibility, outdated safety design and rising maintenance costs as current challenges.

A safety inspection included in the presentation flagged a Hazard Level 1 finding, defined as risk of "loss of life, permanent disability or body part." The issue involved a lack of surfacing and insufficient fall-height depth at certain equipment. Inspectors also documented corroded hardware, a cracked tire, failing bench slats and a burn in a plastic panel.

The department said in the January presentation that repairs are no longer cost-effective. Parts are difficult to source, there are no warranties, and the playground has already exceeded its useful life, according to the department.

The project scope is replacement only, with no expansion, and must meet current safety and accessibility standards. The renovation calls for accessible routes, inclusive play elements and features usable by people of different abilities.

Dedham's award of $409,248 falls just below the PARC program's maximum of $425,000. The program reimburses 52% to 70% of eligible project costs after a municipality funds the full amount upfront. The total project cost has not been disclosed.

Gov. Maura Healey said in the statewide announcement that the grants will bring more parks, cleaner water and safer neighborhoods across Massachusetts.

No construction timeline or start date for the work has been released.