BEVERLY — A team of 280 volunteers descended on the grounds of Beacon Therapeutic Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Beverly on Thursday morning.
When they left that afternoon, a new playground stood at the school that serves disadvantaged families at 10650 S. Longwood Drive
"Everyone just dug their hands in, it is so awesome," said Peggy Rourke, director of development for Beacon Therapeutic.
The effort to replace the 15-year-old playground is the result of a partnership between Austin-based Radio Flyer Inc. and KaBOOM!, which has built six playgrounds in similar fashion throughout the area, said Kristin Karcsh, senior project manager for the non-profit group.
"KaBOOM! really has this down to a science," said Robert Pasin, the head of Radio Flyer with the official title of chief wagon officer.
Pasin's grandfather started the company 98 years ago. He said building the playground speaks to the mission of Radio Flyer. A sea of employees wearing red shirts spent the day volunteering at the school.
"They are all about helping kids, and we are all about kids. All of our products are for outdoor, active kids," Pasin said.
Members of the Brother Rice High School football team were among the most active kids on Thursday. The Crusaders hauled mulch and concrete, many sweating through their maroon and orange T-shirts.
The football squad was actually on its second day of work at the school. The team was part of a small prep-squad that readied the grounds for the crew of volunteers on Thursday.
Beacon Therapeutic was founded as a private day school in 1968. Today, it serves children who don't fit into the traditional school environment for reasons such as behavior problems, cognitive delays or even autism, Rourke said.
"In the 90s, we discovered that some of our students were homeless," said Rourke, adding that the school responded with special programs and services to cater to the unique needs of displaced children and parents.
Administrators at Beacon applied for a grant for a new playground in February and found out they had won the new playground two months later, Rourke said.
She emphasized that the playground isn't just for students at the school. Rather, all children and parents interested in using the new structure should feel free to check it out.
After all, many of the volunteers were nearby residents who deserve to take ownership of the new playground, Rourke said.
"It's everybody's hands getting into it. And at the end of the day, our kids will have a safe place to play," she said.
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