May 7, 2021 BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Former Patriots star Rob Gronkowski is donating $1.2 million dollars for a full renovation of the Charlesbank Playground, which is located in the Charles River Esplanade. The money will come from him and the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation. At the announcement, Gronkowski said the concept of this playground is "to motivate kids to be outdoors, get fit, and have fun. I hope this playground inspires the next generation of athletes." Gov. Charlie Baker is set to accept the donation Friday afternoon, along with Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Kathleen Theoharides, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Jim Montgomery and Esplanade Association Executive Director Michael Nichols.