Land Trust Approves Pease Road Playground

Plans to construct a playground on a quarter-acre parcel on Pease Road recently gained the approval of the Woodbridge Land Trust. The Trust voted unanimously during a recent teleconference to allow the project to move forward to a planned fall 2012 completion.

The playground will ensure equal access to children of all abilities.

“Currently, no such environment exists in Woodbridge that provides accessible structures that are safe and secure for children utilizing special equipment such as crutches or wheelchairs, or one that truly enables children with and without disabilities to play alongside one another,” said Woodbridge Community Playground Committee co-founder Colleen Inclima.

“This playground will accommodate children ages 2-12,” said Inclima. “All children should have the opportunity to play and explore together, no matter their abilities.”

A previous effort to allow the playground came before the Land Trust in April. It was denied by a vote of 7-3. The second time, however, the vote went through without a hitch.

“This was a second chance to consider the town’s request and this time the board acted favorably,” said Laurence Grotheer, a member of the Land Trust and Board of Selectman.

The playground also has the endorsement of State Senator Joe Crisco and State Rep. Themis Klarides.

For Woodbridge Community Playground Committee co-founder Teri Schatz, there are many reasons for having an up to date playground in town.

“Despite the obvious increased value to our properties, the playground will provide a cost-effective recreation area for families with children as well as a safe environment for children to play when they are attending their sibling's soccer and baseball games,” Schatz said.

The Woodbridge Community Playground Committee works to ensure fitness and socialization in children, thus nurturing the child’s sense of self. The WCPC does this by providing adequate equipment for exploring and learning.

The proposed playground will be adjacent to the current soccer fields and proposed baseball diamond, which has also been approved by both the Town of Woodbridge and the Land Trust. Funds are currently being raised to support construction of the baseball diamond.

Correction: Laurence Grotheer was incorrectly identified as first selectman and Themis Klarides was incorrectly identified as as a state senator.