First Selectman George R. Temple announced Wednesday that the town Sunday (Oct. 20) will dedicate its new playscape, Lily Park, in honor of Lily Brooks, who died tragically Sept. 14 as a result of a motor vehicle accident on Sept. 11 on Quaker Farms Road.
Lily was only 3 years old.
The dedication will be at 1 p.m. at the new playscape, located across from the Great Oak Middle School on Great Oak Road.
“I invite the entire town to come to the dedication. Bring the whole family to see our newest addition,” said Temple.
Kyra Nesteriak, chairman of the Playscape Committee, said she was honored to be part of the project.
“It truly has been an honor to be part of the planning of and building of Lily Park. This playscape will bring numerous hours of enjoyment to the children of Oxford,” said Nesteriak. “It will provide them with a place where their imaginations and spirits can soar while building long-lasting friendships!”
Nesteriak said they will also have a drawing in order to obtain proceeds for the park. She said Stanley Black and Decker Tools have generously donated items that will be in the drawing.
Tickets will be on sale at the Oxford-Seymour football game Friday, Oct. 18. Tickets may also be purchased at the office of the Oxford Parks and Recreation Department, Monday through Thursday. The winning tickets will be drawn on Oct. 31.
Hundreds of volunteers turned out to build the playscape which consists of two playscapes, one for children between the ages of 2 and 5 and a second for children aged 5 to 12.
There are swings and slides, poles to climb, ladders to scale, beams to balance on, sand to dig and build upon and a cabin to hide in.
Over 90 percent of this playground will be built of recycled materials and it will be ADA Compliant.
The purchase and construction of this park has been augmented by grants and private donations.