New Jersey Firefighters Commit To Memorial Playground In New London

A New Jersey firefighters' union has officially committed to building a playground in New London as part of a memorial project spanning three states.

The Riverside Park Conservancy reports on its website that New London firefighter Victor Spinnato informed the Parks and Recreation Commission about the decision on Wednesday. Representatives from the New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association visited the commission last month to discuss the proposal for the "Sandy Ground Project," which will build 26 playgrounds in communities affected by Hurricane Sandy and dedicate them in memory of the victims of a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

New London's playground will be located in Riverside Park and dedicated in memory of six-year-old Emilie Parker and named "Emilie's Shady Spot." Parker was one of 20 children and six adults killed in the December shooting.

The project is privately funded, and playgrounds will be built using volunteers. According to the Sandy Ground Project website, one playground has opened in Sea Bright, N.J. and a ribbon cutting for a second one will take place in Union Beach, N.J., on Saturday. 

Another southeastern Connecticut playground proposed in the project would be located at Mystic Seaport in memory of Dawn Hochsprung, principal of Sandy Hook Elementary School.