A community-funded addition to the High Plains Community Center playground in Orange opened with a ribbon-cutting on Aug. 26. Photo by Michele Grande.
A ribbon-cutting was held on Aug. 26th to celebrate the opening of a new addition to the playground at the High Plains Community Center in Orange. The playground is used by the Orange Community Nursery School children as well as local families during non-school hours and town events held at the center.
The fundraising project, which cost almost $50,000 was spearheaded by Lisa Grande, an Orange parent and active community member. Donations came from local families, businesses, stores, and corporate grants as well as a $10,000 grant from the town. The new playscape, manufactured by BCI Burke, was designed and installed by Ben Shaffer Recreation.
In her welcoming remarks, Grande, a licensed clinical social worker, said, “Outdoor playground space is a necessity for the development of young children. In addition to developing physical skills such as balance, coordination, agility and fine and gross motor skills, playing on a playscape such as this one will improve a young child’s problem solving skills, self-confidence, autonomy and mastery, and increase social and emotional gains.”
The event included pizza from Silver Sands Pizza of Milford, ice cream provided by the Walnut Beach Creamery, music, giveaways from Ben Shaffer Recreation, and play time for the local children.
Fundraising efforts for the second phase of the playground renovation are underway and designs for expanding the existing structures are already in the works. The project has a GoFundMe page at gofund.me/cfda7cb8.