Bristol community gathers for the grand opening of the new Stocks Playground

By Laura Bailey

Unseasonably warm temperatures nearing 60 degrees and bright sunshine provided an idyllic setting for the grand opening of the new Stocks Playground on Wednesday afternoon.

Bristol community members, including dozens of smiling children, gathered together for a ceremonial ribbon cutting by the Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services Department to commemorate the occasion.

“The opening of a new playground is an exciting time for any community,” said Dr. Joshua Medeiros, “as playgrounds are essential spaces for youth development; they promote healthy socialization and provide enhanced physical and emotional health benefits.”

Medeiros is the superintendent of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services.

_{Children playing at the new Stocks Playground. | Laura Bailey Photos}

_{The crowd at the grand opening of the new Stocks Playground. | Laura Bailey Photos}

The Bristol Parks Department launched a social media campaign in the fall of 2021 that offered Bristol families the opportunity to vote on their favorite playground design. The department received over 2,000 votes, with the majority cast for the new Stocks Playground.

Among the features included in the playground are a piano panel, a rain wheel, telephone tubes and multiple slides. The newly unveiled Stocks Playground is just the first step in updates and renovations to the Middle Street Park.

_{Left: Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano. Right: Dr. Joshua Medieros. | Laura Bailey Photos}

_{Community members at the grand opening of the new Stocks Playground. | Laura Bailey Photos}

“We anticipate breaking ground very shortly for a new splash pad,” said Medeiros, “also ADA and accessibility site improvements, new LED volleyball court lights, as well as a newly resurfaced basketball court.”

The Casey Field splash pad designs can be viewed on the portal page of the Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services website. Residents can also view revitalization plans for Page Park and updates to smaller neighborhood parks including Kern Park and Seymour & Wilson Park.

“What I love about this project is there’s a lot of focus on all of our parks in the city of Bristol,” said Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano, who was on hand for the ribbon cutting, “but most of the focus tends to fall on Rockwell Park or maybe Page Park. This is one of those neighborhood parks that is great.”

_{Children playing on the new Stocks Playground. | Laura Bailey Photos}

The crowd of excited children were invited to join Bristol community members for the ceremonial ribbon cutting before dashing off to enjoy the new playground.

For more information, visit https://bprycs-project-portal.constantcontactsites.com

Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org

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