Road Race and Walk to Benefit Accessible Playground

An accessible playground behind the is closer to becoming a reality, as fundraising efforts continue to move the project closer to its $300,000 target.

The planned outdoor playground space on Middle Road will be primarily funded by a . The Rotary Club of Enfield, which developed the concept for the project, is raising the balance of the money through various fundraisers.

Rotary Club officials say the LEGO grant will cover the entire estimated budget for design, site preparation and construction of the playground. The club is raising additional funds to enhance the site with walkways, lights, picnic tables, benches and a pavilion, and welcomes the support of businesses in the local area.

To help with development expenses, a benefit 5K road race and 2 mile walk, entitled Cinco K Mayo, is planned for Saturday, May 5.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. at , and the race begins at 9 a.m. Entry fee for pre-registered runners is $20, and $15 for walkers. Same-day registration is available for an additional $5 per participant.

Jennifer Kiner, vocational director of the Rotary board, is serving as chairperson of the race.

"We invite the Enfield community to come together and take part in bringing the playground project to life," she said. "Our goal is 500 total participants."

Kiner said T-shirts are guaranteed to anyone who registers by April 20.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for both the race and the playground. "There is a permanent naming opportunity for the playground," Kiner said.

Entry forms for the race may be obtained at www.enfieldctrotary.org, or at facebook.com/enfieldctrotaryclub.

Ground is expected to be broken for the playground project later this spring, Kiner said.