Niantic Park playground community build is underway

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Volunteers Tom Shockey, left, and Sean Dougherty carry a playground beam during first stages of the Niantic Park build Wednesday. — Photo by Sam Moore

Volunteers turned out in force Wednesday for the start of the Niantic Park Playground community build project. The effort is expected to continue through the weekend.

“It’s been an Island-wide effort,” Marc Rivers, Oak Bluffs recreation director, said, and “it’s long overdue.” He has visited Niantic park for over 40 years, and now is the time to make it ready for the next generation, he told The Times.

Volunteers are welcome to help on the Island-inspired playground. There will be three shifts Thursday through Sunday: 8 am–12 pm, 12:30 pm–5 pm and 5:30 pm–9 pm. All skill levels are needed, from builders to those who can help with food for volunteers, to those who can help with any number of various tasks, according to organizers. The completed playground will include a replica East Chop Lighthouse, a Steamship boat, and a gingerbread-inspired play structure. For more information, contact hathomas@hotmail.com.