Where Angels Play Foundation's Fundraiser Sept. 25 in Tewksbury

Patch File Photo

Work on the Sean Collier Memorial Playground in Wilmington is set to begin on Sept. 14. Less than two weeks later, the town will officially open the playground in his memory at Silver Lake. The town of Wilmington and the Where Angels Play Foundation have worked together to make this project a reality.

The playground project is a Celebration of Life in honor of slain MIT Officer Sean Collier, who lost his life in the line of duty during the violence that occurred at the Boston Marathon.

The park is being donated and built by Where Angels Play, a non-profit that seeks to create joyful places to play and to provide hope, recovery, and a return to family values in the wake of senseless violence and tragedy.

The playground will include multiple slides, various climbing structures, and sun decks throughout. The design and color scheme have been developed in conjunction with the Collier family, to ensure it reflects Sean’s personality and interests.

Wilmington’s Board of Selectmen voted to approve the new playground at their June 22 meeting after being contacted by Where Angels Play and reviewing various options for the siting of the playground.

“The town is pleased to be hosting such a wonderful project; one that helps us celebrate the life of a Wilmington High School Graduate who died tragically doing the job he loved,” said Selectmen Chair Michael Champoux.

The existing playground structure at Silver Lake will be removed by the Department of Public Works starting the week of Sept. 14. Footing installation and project preparation will occur Sept. 21 through Sept. 22. Assembly will begin Sept. 23. The project will be built by Where Angels Play, their volunteers and volunteers from the Wilmington and greater Boston areas. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 26, at 10 a.m. All are welcome.

The existing structure, which is nearing the end of its useful life, was installed through a generous donation from the Kiwanis Club of Wilmington.

“We are grateful for the support of the Kiwanis and their role in making a fun and safe playground at the beach a reality. This project allows us to continue to provide that kind of space well into the future,” said Wilmington Town Manager Jeffrey Hull.

Where Angels Play uses a “pay it forward” model for their efforts. Funds to pay for this project are in part raised from other foundation projects built throughout the country.

Where Angels Play will be holding a local fundraiser at the Tewksbury Elks Lodge, on Sept. 25, from 6-11 p.m. Tickets may be purchased through the organization and money raised at this event will support the Collier Project and future projects of the foundation.

Those seeking to support the project by volunteering or through donations are encouraged to contact Where Angels Play at mklavin@whereangelsplayfoundation.org or visit www.whereangelsplayfoundation.org for more information.