Every now and then an opportunity presents itself that is too good to pass up.

Milford Parks and Recreation Administrator James Asam was recently notified of some new playground equipment being sold at a steep discount. He immediately recognized this as a possible means of replacing the decades-old playground equipment at Tank Field. If he could raise the money by July 1, the Parks Department could have the new equipment installed and ready for Milford kids to play on this summer.

With the help of Milford resident and Finance Committee member Mitch Ruscitti, the Parks Department was able to quickly raise the $6,500 needed to purchase the equipment through donations from local businesses and residents. Every dollar of the donations was used for the direct purchase of the equipment with no overhead or administrative costs.

Work to renovate the play area at Tank Field has already begun and will be completed this Saturday morning when volunteers will assist the Parks Department by moving materials, digging, and shoveling. The existing play equipment is being replaced with a new, state-of-the-art swing set, which includes toddler and ADA-compatible swings. ADA-compliant rubber padding (similar to the material at the Fruit Street playground) is being installed under the new equipment. The rubber padding is being purchased by the Milford Parks and Recreation Department utilizing matching state ADA funds. Members of the Parks Department and the material vendors are also providing in-kind labor.

Although the total project value is approximately $30,000-$40,000, the donations and volunteer labor enable this project to be completed at almost no cost to Milford taxpayers. Financial donors to the Tank Field renovation project include Celebrate Milford; Dewey Pest & Wildlife; CloudSolved IT; Steve and Geri Eddins; and Mitch, Jess, and Anna Ruscitti.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is tentatively planned for a future date in July or August. More details to be announced soon.

Tank Field is located at the corner of West Fountain Street and Congress Street in Milford, Massachusetts.