Community Corner

All-Abilities Playground Opens To Rave Reviews

Josh Tramontano has been waiting for seven years for a place to play.

Now 14 and a freshman at Hamden High School, Josh saw that dream come true Saturday morning with the dedication of Josh's Jungle.

The all-abilities playground, located next to the Miller Library' parking lot on Dixwell Avenue, is fun for all kids, including Josh, who uses a wheelchair because of a condition called spinal muscular atrophy.

"It's very exciting to see all the kids here and to be able to enjoy a playground that's for all abilities, not just kids in wheelchairs but for everyone who can walk, are in wheelchairs - everyone."

"Hamden is a family place, and we do this for our children and our children's children," said Mayor Scott Jackson, who with Josh cut the ceremonial ribbon Saturday morning as more than 100 people watched.

Among the children first to try out the playground were Jackson's son and Supt. of Schools Fran Rabinowitz's grandchildren.

And the reviews were all positive.

"I love it!" one little girl said after emerging down one of the playground's many slides.

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