A new inclusive designed Friendship Park playground is opening this summer at Roberts Field in Chelmsford, and community businesses and organizations are stepping up to help build it.
A first of its kind in Chelmsford, the new Friendship Park playground will be a safe and fun place where children of all abilities can play together side by side. The Town of Chelmsford is building a new nature themed playground, which will be developmentally appropriate for children with and without disabilities, have a barrier free and open sensory rich environment, and encourage physical and social play for all.
The 501(c)(3) non-profit Friends of Roberts Field is helping with fundraising by reaching out to businesses with a variety of playground sponsorship and volunteer opportunities. Bill Askenburg, Friends of Roberts Field Chair, said, “Our community is joining together to raise funds, volunteer and work together to build the new Friendship Park. The community response has been tremendous and everyone is very appreciative of the effort to bring this new inclusive playground to Town.”
Sponsorship opportunities range from buying a $50 engraved brick, to sponsoring the playground’s new $26k inclusive ZipKrooz zipline. Premier and Equipment Sponsors receive public recognition and their names on playground signage. DrumHill Pediatrics of North Chelmsford recently committed to a Silver Level Premier Sponsorhip and Aces Aquatics, an elite swim team and coaching organization, committed to sponsoring the Belt Bridge in the new playground.
“We at DrumHill Pediatrics are excited for the grand opening of the new Friendship Park,” said Dr. David Newman of DrumHill Pediatrics. “Playgrounds are a wonderful community-based resource for families to connect with others while enjoying time outdoors. This new inclusive playground will offer all our children the opportunity to get physical exercise and practice their social skills while most of all having fun!”
Askenburg added, “We are so appreciative of these generous donors and their commitment to supporting our community. It’s great to meet other community partners who are equally as excited about bringing inclusive play to Chelmsford. We encourage anyone interested in volunteer or sponsorship opportunities to contact us.”
The playground sponsorship and volunteer programs will continue through the summer, and more information can be found at www.robertsfield.org/donate.
The Friends of Roberts Field is a nonprofit organization committed to maintaining and improving Roberts Field in Chelmsford. The volunteer organization was found in 2013 and is working with the Town of Chelmsford Department of Public Works to provide community input and fundraising opportunities for the new inclusive designed Friendship Park at Roberts Field.