Photo courtesy Wee Play Community Project Graphic treatment Katie Hellmuth Martin

Umbrellas were installed over the summer of 2015 to complete a project that has been in the works for years, and was a major wish-list item for parents, family members and caregivers who bring babies and toddlers to the Tot Park at Memorial Park.

The Wee Play Community Project, a longstanding volunteer group that works and advocates for the City of Beacon's playgrounds, as well as youth programming (some of which you can experience at Howland Public Library and at the University Settlement Camp), has been saving every dollar donated by the community as well as funds taken in during their main annual fundraiser, the Ree Play Sale. A total of $7,285 was donated via the Ree Play Sale, held in May. The remaining balance of $12,515 was matched and provided by the City of Beacon Recreation Fund. The Wee Play Community Project also provided funding for two new benches and a permanent ride-on toy, totaling $2,700.

In their press release, Wee Play Community Project thanks the many community members and volunteers who have helped make the Ree Play Sale a success year after year, and states: "Community support has been essential to the completion of this major improvement to the park."

Wee Play also thanks the Beacon City Council, Mayor Randy Casale and Recreation Director Mark Price for their endorsement of the project, and for approving the use of the Recreation Fund to complete it.

Trees planted years ago begin to add shade as they grow. Photo credits: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Shade provided by umbrellas and trees.

As the sun moves, so does the shade from the umbrellas. Shade from trees is already increasing, as shown in the above picture of the shadow cast on the sandbox from a young tree.

View from under the red umbrella as tree shadows are cast, making patterns.

View from under the yellow umbrella.

The Tot Park at Memorial Park began with a bare landscape, with trees and herb gardens added and maintained by Wee Play over the years. The park has evolved to incorporate nature and permanent shaded structures during very hot days, creating different experiences within one space.