Grand opening of updated playground in Pine Island Park celebrated with ribbon cutting

It had been outdated and non ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.

And now it's new, updated and safe for all children.

On Friday, Aug. 30, members of the Pine Island and Warwick Chambers of Commerce along with local officials, supporters, families and children, joined members of the Playground Committee to celebrate the grand opening of an updated new playground at Pine Island Park on Kay Road and Treasure Lane.

Thanks to a grant from the Kosuga Foundation as well as other contributors and the resolve of Committee members Susan McCosker, Greg DeBuck, Jeanette Shanahan, Paulette Rudy, Nancy Scheiner and Warwick Councilman Russ Kowal, the new and improved Pine Island Park has seven new structures, including an agricultural-themed Spinning Pumpkin and Onion.

The popular Pirate Ship, however, will remain in place.

The Lions Club also donated four new Trex benches and the Purta family assisted with the dedication sign.

Construction on the new playground began this past May.

McCosker, who spearheaded the project, praised the Minnesota-based company, Landscape Structures, who utilized American made materials and worked weekends as well as on rainy days to complete the new playground by August.

"The generous donation by the Kosuga Foundation has provided an incredible gift to the people of Warwick.," said Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton. 'This magnificent playground will be enjoyed for generations, and we can't thank the Foundation as well as the Kosuga family enough. I also want to thank Susan McCosker, Greg DeBuck, the Pine Recreation committee, the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce and other private donors who made this all possible."

- Roger Gavan