Construction of Collier Memorial Playground Begins Tuesday

Installation of the new playground at Silver Lake, built in celebration of fallen MIT Officer Sean Collier will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

The playground 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.

An increase in vehicle traffic and parking is expected in that area for Sept. 22 through Sept. 26.

Last week, Wilmington DPW crews worked to remove the existing structure to make way for the Sean Collier Memorial Playground.

Local and national volunteers for Where Angels Play will be arriving in Wilmington in the coming days to participate in the project. This playground will be the 34th built by the foundation and its volunteers. The build will begin Tuesday, Sept. 26 and continue through the week.

A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled to take place Saturday, Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. Anticipated attendees include members of the Collier Family, members of the Board of Selectmen, members of the School Committee, the Town Manager and others. All are welcomed to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The new 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.

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 Friday, 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.

For more information about Silver Lake please contact the Town Manager at 978-658-3311.