Mill River Park Opens Newly Renovated Playground
Original Playground Was Built in 2006
STAMFORD — With a ribbon cutting on Saturday, June 21, the Sue McGraw Friendship Playground at Mill River Park was officially opened to families and children in the Stamford area. After a year of renovations, the public space located at the corner of Tresser Boulevard and West Main Street is now available once again.
Hundreds of families and children took part in a gathering that featured crafts, live music, sweet treats, and “playtime adventures,” according to an announcement from the Mill River Park Collaborative.
Activities for attendees at the grand opening included face painting, giveaways, and more while being among the first people to try out the swings, slides, and other new playground equipment.
“Mill River Park continues to be a shining example of what’s possible when public, private, and nonprofit partners come together to build something meaningful for our community,” Mayor Caroline Simmons said. “The Sue McGraw Friendship Playground will bring joy to countless families and I’m thrilled to see this next chapter of the park’s growth unfold right in the heart of our city. ”
Funding for the revamped playground was provided by Suzanne McGraw Foundation, a private organization that supports causes related to early childhood education, animal welfare, and other community initiatives, with additional support from the Connecticut State Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.
First designed by Olin Partnership and Leathers & Associates then constructed in 2006 by some 1,500 volunteers within a week, the removal of the original playground started on June 10, 2024. The updated version was a collaboration between Agency Landscape + Planning, Earthscape Play, Kanics Inclusive Design, and Abundant Playscapes as well as engineers with Langan Engineering and CES.
“The Sue McGraw Friendship Playground is a powerful example of what community investment looks like. It’s not just swings and slides—it’s a commitment to our children’s well-being and to creating spaces where all families can feel welcome,” State Representative Corey Paris, who played a key role in securing state funding for the playground, said. “I’m proud to support Mill River Park and the continued revitalization of downtown Stamford.”
Additionally, Aquaphor, a Beiersdorf brand, provided “100 trees and shrubs to the playground, to enhance the lush and inviting landscape that surrounds this dynamic play space. Beiersdorf is also sponsoring the playground gardens, with an initial bulb planting this fall by employee volunteers,” the press release stated.
“This playground is a joyful new chapter for Mill River Park and for our city, ” Mill River Park Collaborative Board Chair Arnold M. Karp said. “Thanks to the Suzanne McGraw Foundation, the Connecticut DEEP, and Beiersdorf we now have a space that will bring laughter, energy, and connection to the heart of Stamford every day. It’s a place where childhood memories will be made.”
An FAQ from the Mill River Park Collaborative indicated that the community engagement process included input from more than 1,000 local students and “numerous meetings with families, ensuring it reflects the needs and desires of Stamford families and children.”
The new playground includes natural play areas with logs, boulders, and plantings aimed at inspiring creative and adventurous play experiences. There were also efforts made to ensure that the space is more inclusive through the installation of adaptive swings, wheelchair-accessible ramps, and sensory play zones designed for children of all abilities.
Community spaces offer seating areas and picnic spots in the shade for visitors to relax and engage with the park as well.
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