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Impressive, Moving, and Humbling

For several years, a small group of Melissa Jones School (MJS) moms has worked tirelessly to bring to life a new playground at the elementary school. From start to finish, these busy moms organized and oversaw every aspect of this gargantuan project, from fundraising and design, to dissembling the old playground and building the new one. On Aug. 12, this years-long project reached completion. The result is stunning—a magnificent, safer playground that wonderfully captures the unique spirit of the old one.

In its final days, this project crescendoed in a community build in which Guilford friends and families picked up hammers and nails and gave the playground physical form. This coming together of neighbors for the greater good was impressive, moving, and humbling—and so important at a time when other incidents and issues, including in our own community, have been contentious and divisive. On that note, it is worth pointing out that it is while playing in the playground that children learn so much about not only how one amicably navigates conflict in interpersonal relationships, but also how much joy there is to experience by engaging with others who may have interests, abilities, and backgrounds that differ from one’s own.

It is commonly said that if you want something done, ask a busy person. Standing awestruck before the new MJS playground, I would add that if you want something done with love, care, and dogged determination; if you want something done with an eye trained on the future wellbeing of the community; and if you want something done that will echo for years in the form of children’s joy, laughter, and comradery, then ask a busy mom.

It is with tremendous respect that I, along with many others, extend my deepest thanks and most heartfelt appreciation.

Adam Spivack

Guilford