Tears, smiles seen at playground dedication in Ansonia

ANSONIA - Friday's dedication of the John G. Prendergast School playground in memory of Catherine Violet Hubbard, 6, of Newtown was filled with emotion.

Catherine's brother, Frederick Hubbard, 8, left, hands animal crackers to kids as they enjoyed the slide for the first time.
The cookies were in honor of Catherine's love and concern for animals.

The Hubbard family is building an animal sanctuary in Newtown in her memory.

As I watched the kids I was wishing I could have had a ride down the slide. Looks like fun!

A beautiful garden was created in Catherine's memory. Names of the Sandy Hook Elementary School victims are written on the colorful butterflies. The flowers are pink and purple, Catherine's favorite colors. A flowering plum tree stands in the center.

A poem, "The Butterfly," specially written by David Snitzer, was inscribed on a plaque placed in the  garden. 

Signs offer visitors information about the evolution of this outstanding project. 

The big kids (sixth graders) had to wait at the end of the line to get their chance to try out the slide.