FARMINGTON – A group of parents with a dream of a community playground recognized the businesses and private individuals who made that dream a reality Saturday, at a small ceremony held at the site.
Selectman Chair Stephan Bunker gave the introductory remarks, standing in front of the Parents for Playground, a group of moms who have led a fund raising blitz since April 2007, raising $38,000 in local money. The group’s members decided to tackle the ambitious project after realizing that there really was no local play area for young children. They were able to motivate a variety of different donors to buy the equipment, which was installed on May 17, as well as utilize grants through the local Conservation Commission to landscape the surrounding area.
Bunker noted that it was a testament to their hard work and the generosity of the community to succeed in such an ambitious project in tough economic times.
“These are hard times, economically, and in these hard times, many folks underestimate the ability of projects like this to get off the ground,” he said, going on to thank the participants “on behalf of a grateful community.”
Amy Graham, one of the central figures within the Parents for Playground from the beginning, said she was overjoyed by the support the project had received.
“It’s been so heartening to see the outpouring of support from the community,” Graham said.
Four benches were also dedicated at the ceremony. Selectman John Frary, who donated his selectman’s salary to the project, received one, as did the Kay family and Franklin Savings Bank. The Vining family, who provided materials, manpower and expertise to erect the playground structure and build a walkway into the site received a marble bench, donated by the local Adams – McFarlane Funeral Home. A large number of other businesses and families who donated money to the project can be found on a sign in front of the playground.
