Summer Camps in Seymour

Ansonia Nature Center Gets New Playground!

 

 

ANSONIA = Hundreds of employees from Basement Systems of Seymour volunteered their time over three days to build a brand new playground at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, located at 10 Deerfield Rd. The first group of summer camp kids got to christen the new, wooden playground on Monday, July 18. Basement Systems Founder and CEO Larry Janesky heard that a playground was needed to replace the old, 25-year old one that had to be torn down earlier this year for safety reasons. Janesky, who designed the new playground himself, rallied his employees, who worked around the clock, braving the sizzling summer heat, to give hundreds of local kids a fun place to swing, slide and play.  

(Photo shared from Ansonia Nature Center's Facebook page)

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.

Playground dedicated today in Ansonia

Stay tuned for a story in Saturday's New Haven Register.

Project at Prendergast School in Ansonia stirs emotions

Playground built in memory of Sandy Hook victim; dedication set

ANSONIA - It has been almost two weeks since the start of construction of a playground at John G. Prendergast School in memory of Catherine Violet Hubbard.
She was a first grader who was among the 26 victims of the Dec. 14 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

Even though my colleague and staff photographer Peter Hvizdak was there I took several photos, because I planned to write a blog post. But I've had trouble starting it.

I had the honor to speak briefly with Catherine's mother, Jenny Hubbard, and to say hello to three other mothers whose children died on that horrific day.

Jenny Hubbard said she takes life "day by day."

She said she was glad her son, Frederick, 8, was able to play a big part in the playground construction. He was even named job foreman that day.

"He's doing it for his sister," she said softly.

Frederick Hubbard, 8, was more than ready that morning to start building the playground.

 

Ansonia Superintendent of Schools Carol Merlone, left, greets mothers of victims. 

Prendergast art teacher Danine Curtis draped a green and white paper-heart chain along the fence. Green and white are Newtown's colors.  

 

 Workers get ready for the build.

The playground is one of 26 that will be built in memory of the victims through the efforts of Bill Lavin, president of the New Jersey Firefighters’ Mutual Benevolent Association. He is being assisted by fellow firefighters, construction workers, family and friends.

This is the specially labeled truck that carried construction supplies from New Jersey.

 Frederick was still working hard with firefighters and other volunteers mid-afternoon.

 A ground covering will be added to the play area.

The official dedication of the playground has been tentatively set for 9 a.m. May 31, Principal Joe Apicella said.

Apicella joined the many volunteers and worked for hours that day to get the play area together.

He said a tire swing is on back order and will be a part of the playground.