KaBOOM! play equipment dedicated

The ribbon cutting for the Ka-BOOM! park equipment was held Thursday night. From left, DDA members Denise Collins and Ray Berg; Village President Pat Vailliencourt; Parks Commissioners Susan Gleason and Pat DuRussel.

Last Thursday at 6pm , the KaBOOM! play equipment located all around the Village in parks, outside of the library, and along the multi-use trail was officially dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony held in River Raisin Park. A grand prize drawing was held for kids in attendance.

Whether it is large musical instruments to play on, mushrooms to climb on, a giant stopwatch to time yourself with, or benches for parents to rest on, the equipment is utilized daily!

Manchester residents first learned of the project in February of 2020. The play equipment was installed beginning last June. It was purchased with a $41,000 grant provided by KaBOOM! and the Wilson Foundation and $37,000 of monetary donation and in-kind contributions from the Manchester community.

Kids watch attentively and with anticipation waiting for the drawings.

Winner of the grand prize $350 gift certificate at Sharon Valley Bicycle Shoppe, was excited by his good fortune! Disappointed that his best friend didn't also win, he had his dad ask if they could use it for two bikes rather than an expensive one for him. Store owner Christina Mersereau said the certificate can be used as store credit any way the winner chooses!

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.