The Sue McGraw Friendship Playground at Mill River Park has officially opened to the public during a celebration event on Saturday 21 June in Stamford.

Alongside hundreds of children and their families, the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the upgraded space which has been designed to be safer, more accessible and more inclusive for children of all abilities to enjoy. 

The original Mill River Park Playground was built in 2006, while the new renovations have been made possible due to a gift from the Suzanne McGraw Foundation and support from the Connecticut State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Arnold Karp, chair of the board at Mill River Park Collective says the opening of the Sue McGraw Friendship Playground is a “joyful new chapter,” adding it’s a place where “childhood memories will be made.”

Additional support from skincare manufacturer Beiersdorf includes the contribution of 100 trees and shrubs in celebration of its brand Aquaphor’s 100th anniversary. 

Designed by landscape architects, Agency Landscape and Planning, the project was also in collaboration with Earthscape Play and Abundant Playscapes, alongside engineers at Langan Engineering and Environmental Services and Consulting Engineering Services (CES).

Corey Paris, the state representative says the playground is an example of “community investment,” adding:

“It’s a commitment to our children’s well-being and to creating spaces where all families can feel welcome.”

Mill River Park Collaborative intends to continue transforming Stamford into an inclusive green space for residents and visitors.