Danbury to Match Fundraising Efforts for Pembroke Playground

DANBURY, CT — The city has formally accepted the $130,000 donation raised by teachers, parents and the Danbury community for a handicap-accessible playground at Pembroke Elementary School.

The Danbury City Council made the decision at its Aug. 6 meeting.

The funds needed to complete the $270,000 project will come from a previously approved recreation bond, Mayor Mark Boughton said. This amount can change if more donations to the project are received. The Department of Public Works will provide the labor for this project and plans to have it completed this fall.

Leigh Viviano, a special needs teacher at Pembroke Elementary School, helped lead the fundraising initiative that not only addressed repair needs, but also increased the amount of Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant playground equipment so that students with special needs could have a safe place to play.

"When I was approached about this project, I knew immediately that this was something we needed to make a reality. It took some thought and creativity, but we are proud to be able to provide the rest of the funding needed," said Boughton. "We are excited to get this playground open and are hopeful that it will provide a safe, fun space for all of our students."

The playground will be available to the public after school hours and on weekends.