Rain didn't deter the dozens of volunteers and first responders hailing from New Jersey to Connecticut who broke ground in Westport Friday on a playground to honor Sandy Hook victim Dylan Hockley.
The playground -- the fourth of 26 to be built in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey -- is being constructed behind Long Lots Elementary School.
The playground is part of an initiative called the Sandy Ground Project, started by the New Jersey Firefighters' Mutual Benevolent Association (NJFMBA). The initiative's mission is two-fold: to build 26 playgrounds as living memorials to the Newtown victims while sprucing up a coastline ravaged by Superstorm Sandy.
"As firefighters, it's cathartic for us," NJFMBA President Bill Lavin said of building the playgrounds. "It allows is to give back and do something."
The Hockley family chose Long Lots School as the site of the playscape to honor Dylan, who was autistic, because the school does a lot of work with children with autism, Lavin said.
The playground will incorporate Dylan's favorite things: the color purple, the moon, chocolate, and butterflies.
Dylan's father, Ian Hockley, said his son loved playgrounds and the family would visit neighboring towns just to check out different playscapes.
"Fun -- that's what playgrounds do for communities," Hockley said. "They bring a sense of community, of coming back and reconnecting."
"Some good came out of this tragedy," he added.
The construction began Friday morning and is expected to be completed in a week.
Dylan's brother, 8-year-old Jake, served as foreman for the groundbreaking.
Those interested in learning more about the Sandy Ground Project or wish to donate, click here.
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