In the September 24th issue the page 1 story titled “An Inclusive Playground Makes Room for Every New Canaan Child” was incomplete. The updated version of the story is below.
By Peter Barhydt
An inclusive playground designed to let children of different abilities play together was the setting for a Sept. 22 press conference highlighting more than $1.44 million in state funding for two town projects.
The event at Waveny Park recognized a $300,000 state grant for playground improvements and a separate $1,142,750 award to replace a bridge on Lakeview Avenue. The playground project brought together town funding, state assistance and private fundraising by the Friends of Waveny Playground.
Located near Orchard Field, the roughly $775,000 playground includes accessible play structures, inclusive swings, a poured-in-place rubber surface, picnic space and seating. A donor walk recognizes families, businesses and organizations that contributed to the project.
The funding breakdown provided by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz’s office identifies $325,000 from the town and $150,000 from the Friends of Waveny Playground, alongside the $300,000 Small-Town Economic Assistance Program grant. The state announcement describes the playground funding as supporting Phase 2 improvements.
The event also offered two complementary perspectives on the project: the importance of designing public spaces for children with disabilities and the role of public-private partnerships in building town recreation facilities.
In a written statement marking the celebration, state Rep. Lucy Dathan emphasized the practical barriers that can keep children from participating at conventional playgrounds, including difficult surfaces and equipment that does not provide sufficient support.
“The play structures are designed for children of different ages and different abilities to use the same equipment, at the same time, side by side,” Dathan said.
She described the rubber surface and supportive swing seats as features intended to help children participate together. Seating and picnic areas also accommodate the parents and caregivers who bring them.
“Inclusive design isn’t about a separate area for children with disabilities,” Dathan said. “It’s about one playground where every child is in the game.”
Dathan credited the Friends of Waveny Playground with years of fundraising and said her experience raising three children in town informed her appreciation for the project.
State Rep. Tom O’Dea, in his own written statement, placed the playground within a longer history of improvements at Waveny, which the town purchased in 1967.
“This playground is a shining example of what happens when residents, volunteers, town government, and the state pull in the same direction,” O’Dea said.
First Selectman Dionna Carlson thanked the town’s legislative delegation for supporting New Canaan’s grant application and helping secure state funding. Also present were Parks Superintendent Ryan Restivo, Parks and Recreation Director John Howe, Public Works Director Tiger Mann and playground committee members Monica Capela, Hilary Ormond and Meredith Tobitsch, along with donors and state officials.
At the playground, the shared objective was more immediate: creating a community space where more children can join in.
“I raised three children in this town,” Dathan said. “I know what a playground is worth to a family. I’m proud that this one has room for every New Canaan child.”
