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Community Corner

Damaged South Row Playground Has Support of Community

A playground ruined by fire is being rebuilt by Chelmsford residents and businesses alike.

A story that began with devastation earlier this summer, is turning into one filled with perseverance, hope, and togetherness.

The playground at was , leaving behind only a charred mess and tarnished memories.  It was an old playground, one that was even in the process of having money raised for its eventual replacement, but it was our playground.  I watched my son play there, meet friends there, and pout when we had to leave there.  

It's strange what memories stick in my head.  There was a set of slides, side by side, and one slide had a fairly big hole in the plastic at the bottom.  Even though I told him he could only go on the one that wasn't broken, my son would pause at the top and give the broken slide a sly look, before he eventually caved in and did what he was supposed to do. 

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I remember some teenage kids lingering by the ball chute one time, and thinking to myself, "C'mon, go find somewhere else to hang out besides a kid's playground," only to be pleasantly surprised when they warned me that there was a bee's nest inside and to be careful.  I remember taking a break from the playground to go run up and down the hill on the other side of the soccer fields, and quickly returning to have a go on the swings.

It doesn't have to be the best playground, but when it's yours, it's special.  My family is going to miss it.

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The silver lining to this story is that it seems all of Chelmsford is dedicated to bringing this playground back as soon as possible.  I even heard a rumor that Roland Van Liew and Phil Eliopoulos are going to come together and host a bake sale to raise money for this cause. (Too soon?)

One of the first efforts after the fire was a  organized by Phil Stanway and the Chelmsford Open Space Stewards.  As mentioned before in my articles, this group sets the bar in town for community building, and this particular situation was no exception.  Volunteer residents came together and helped pull weeds, clear debris, and spread new wood chips in an effort to salvage what little was left of the playground.  The COSS does great work day in and day out and I applaud all of their efforts. (I'm pretty sure I have a man crush on Phil Stanway.  Wait, what is this...2007?  I think it's called a Bromance these days.  Either way, keep it up the good work COSS, you are an inspiration to us all.)

Just prior to the cleanup, the newly formed Choose Chelmsford group  in support of the new playground.  The Meat House also jumped into the mix (in conjunction with the South Row PTO Playground Committee) by offering that  will go towards the new playground.  Big thanks to the Meat House for this promotion and their continued involvement in all things Chelmsford.

The South Row PTO Playground Committee also , as well as organized several other October fundraising efforts, like a , as well as currently working with the town on insurance claims.  More information can be found on the South Row Elementary School website.

Mostly recently, new business owner Cathy Ribeck of Rufina's Authentic Italian Dining, again along with the PTO Playground Committee, hosted a fundraising effort in which  went toward the new playground.

The outpouring of support, by both residents and businesses, is just amazing.  I'm humbled to live in this town and inspired by everyone's energy and support.  

I guess there is really only one way to wrap up this article, and that is to thank Chelmsford for, well, being Chelmsford.

'Brad the Dad' is a parent columnist and can be reached at bradmarmo@gmail.com.  Follow him on Facebook or Twitter: @readbradthedad.

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