Community Corner
Hundreds Gather for Accessible Playground Dedication
With many children in attendance, many dignitaries and guests helped the Rotary unveil the new playscapes.
The heat and humidity and threat of rain did not deter hundreds of parents, volunteers, and children eager to try out the new accessible playground from attending the dedication Saturday morning. The product of several years of efforts from the Enfield Rotary, the dedication drew many political and business leaders to its grand unveiling.
The project took about three years to complete, well ahead of the five year anticipated time-line for fund-raising and construction. The Rotary received a very generous donation from the LEGO Corporation's Children's Fund, and raised funds from various individuals, businesses, and through events such as the Cinco K Mayo Charity 5K Run.
Current Rotary President Ed Palomba said, “last October I got a call from the LEGO Children's fund...Peg Parks said to me they would like to be the major donor and supporter of the project, and would like to donate a quarter of a million dollars.”
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U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal presented a certificate of special recognition from the Senate of the United States recognizing the efforts of the Enfield Rotary Club.
“Thank you to mostly to the people in green behind me, the Rotarians. I know about them, they are about working hard, rolling up their sleeves and getting to work,” Blumenthal said.
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Other dignitaries speaking at the dedication included state representatives Kathy Tallarita and David Kiner, Mayor Scott Kaupin, and Rotary District Governor Eileen Rau. Soren Torp Laursen, President of LEGO Systems North America also spoke some words on behalf of the corporation.
The all-ages playground was designed with many areas and ramps that are wheelchair-accessible. The play equipment is of the highest quality and will provide fun for all in the community. The playground also features benches, picnic tables, and a pavillion.
Jon Jalbert of Northeast Playgrounds was responsible for designing the playground, specifically for the property across from the Enfield Library.
If the playground's impressive structure were not proof enough of the value of the project, the sounds of children at play during the dedication left no doubt. The playground will prove a benefit to the Town of Enfield for years to come.
