BOSTON (WHDH) – Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine provided hundreds of Boston Public School athletes free preseason physicals ahead of the upcoming fall sports season.

Often a major hurdle for many prospective athletes, the event marked the sixth time the healthcare system has performed the service for Boston’s city schools. Mass General Brigham’s athletic trainers and clinical connections provide comprehensive care across all sports seasons for Boston Public Schools, which includes participation from more than 2,000 student-athletes.

The pre-participation physical exam also includes vision and blood pressure screenings, and height/weight/body mass index testing. In addition, Mass General Brigham Clinical Research Dietitian from Translational and Clinical Research team will be conducting Food Insecurity Experience Survey and the PHQ-9 mental health survey modified for teens.

“Ensuring that every student-athlete has access to the resources they need to safely participate in athletics is a top priority for Boston Public Schools. A current physical is a required and essential first step,” said Senior Athletics Director Avery Esdalle. “This weekend’s effort helps remove what can be a barrier to many families and opens the door for more students to fully engage in the opportunities athletics provide. We are grateful for our partnership with Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine for their collaboration and commitment to supporting the health, safety and well-being of our students.,” said Avery Esdaile, Athletic Director, Boston Public Schools.

“The Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine and Athletic Training teams are proud to support the 5th Annual Boston Public Schools Pre‑Participation Physical Exam Event, an opportunity to give back to the Boston community. By providing free, essential resources and services, we help remove barriers to access care and support the health and safety of BPS student‑athletes and their families. This event reflects our shared commitment to community wellness, access to care, and ensuring these student athletes can safely participate in the sports,” said Jessica Meiley, ATC, MPH, Supervisor, Boston Public Schools Athletic Training Services at Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine.

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In an effort to provide a vibrant community space, the city of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy broke ground at McKinley Park, marking a major milestone in the park’s revitalization.

Nestled between Beltzhoover, Bon Air, and Knoxville, McKinley Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in the city, and this space will be transformed into the community’s newest hub.

“What we hope with this community Grove [is that it] ties that together,” said Catherine Qureshi, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

Tying the community and generations of people to gather in an all-encompassing natural space.

“Seeing this come to life, it’s just wonderful, and we are very, very proud and excited,” said Jennifer Cash Wade, a community member in Beltzhoover.

The Community Grove has been in the works for over a decade, and the park itself is over a century old. It’ll offer a place to play, sit, and relax for the surrounding communities and beyond.

“When people are coming down from Bausman or from Michigan, this is where you can meet, and then you can go to other parts of the park. It really actually opens up the park,” Qureshi said.

Within McKinley Park, there are trails, playgrounds, tennis courts, and more. The hope is that the Grove complements the existing amenities.

“When we can open up our park space, we can have more access for kids and families to come together. This is how you build a community and city. Parks and recreation are at the heart of each and every neighborhood,” Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor said.

“This was where we spent a vast amount of our childhood. I was in Brownies and Girl Scouts. We had cookouts, campfires,” Wade added. “The park gave us everything we needed. We went through the trails and nature hikes. I mean, it was just an asset, and it is one of the jewels of Beltzhoover.”

The Community Grove project is set to be completed by the fall of 2026.