Connecticut

Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung: The Dawn Hochsprung playground was built in honor of Sandy Hook Elementary School’s Principal.  This playground was opened on October 5^th, 2014 in Watertown, Connecticut where her four grandchildren live.  The playground incorporated all things Dawn, including her love for sailing, poodles and playing pirates with her grandchildren.  This playground also features 20 swings, and 6 riding toys, representing the students and teachers who were tragically lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Charlotte Bacon: On June 15^th, 2014 the Charlotte Bacon playground was opened in West Haven, Connecticut.  Charlotte Bacon was a first grader at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  The playground showcases her favorite color pink, her love for dogs, especially poodles, and includes her artwork.

Jesse Lewis: The Jesse Lewis Playground ribbon cutting took place on May 4^th, 2014 in Stamford, Connecticut.  The playground was built in honor of Jesse Lewis a student at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.  The playground incorporates Jesse’s favorite toys, an army soldier and rubber ducks.  It also shows Jesse’s artwork and writing, including a welcome sign in his handwriting telling everyone to “Have a lot of fun”.

Grace McDonnell: On April 27^th, 2014 the Grace McDonnell playground was opened in Mystic, Connecticut.  Grace McDonnell was a first grader at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  The playground was a tribute to her love of art and the beach and spreads the message of “Peace, Love and Grace”.  Grace always drew peace signs everywhere, and the playground includes one of her drawings.

Ana Grace Marquez: The Ana Grace Marquez playground was built in Hartford, Connecticut and was opened on April 4^th, 2014.  Ana Grace was a student at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  The playground which was opened on Ana Grace’s birthday, is decked out in her favorite color purple and includes her love for music and dance and her artwork.

James Mattioli: The James Mattioli Playground was opened on March 22^nd, 2014 in Milford, Connecticut.  James was a 6 year old student at Sandy Hook Elementary.  The playground was opened on James’ birthday and includes a sports theme and some of his artwork.

Josephine Gay: The Josephine Gay playground was opened on Josephine’s birthday, December 11^th, 2013 in Bridgeport, Connecticut.  Josephine was a 7 year old student at the Sandy Hook School.  The purple playground represents Josephine’s favorite color.  Josephine was a non-verbal autistic child so the playground is also decorated with autism awareness and puzzle pieces.

Emilie Parker: The Emilie Parker playground was opened on November 17^th, 2013 in honor of Emilie Parker, a student of Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut.  The playground was built in New London, Connecticut.  Emilie loved the color pink and “being fancy”, she also loved to draw and paint and her artwork is displayed within the playground. Her skin was fair and therefore loved the shade.  The playground is nicknamed “Emilie’s Shady Spot” as it is surrounded by tall trees.

Allison Wyatt: The Allison Wyatt playground was built in Norwalk, Connecticut and opened on November 10^th, 2013.  Allison Wyatt was a 6 year old girl at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  The playground incorporates goldfish because Allison was known to always share her goldfish.  Red was her favorite color which is the featured color on the playscape.

Jessica Rekos: The Jessica Rekos Playground was built in Fairfield, Connecticut and the ribbon cutting was September 15^th, 2013.  Jessica was a student at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  The playground showcases Jessica’s love for animals, especially her favorites, horses and whales.  A drawing of her horse Waffles that Jessica made was recreated on one of the playground panels.

Victoria Soto: The Victoria Soto playground was built in honor of Victoria Soto, a 27 year old first grade teacher who protected her students at Sandy Hook elementary.  This playground was opened on June 22^nd, 2013 in Stratford, Connecticut – Victoria’s hometown.  The playground is pink with a flamingo theme, in honor of Victoria’s love of flamingos.  Christmas trees are planted along the playground – Victoria’s favorite holiday.

Dylan Hockley: The Dylan Hockley Playground was opened on June 15^th, 2013 in Westport, Connecticut.  The playground was built in honor of Dylan Hockley, a 6 year old boy from Sandy Hook Elementary School.  The playground was designed to include Dylan’s favorite things: butterflies and the color purple.  The playground also includes the autism awareness symbol in honor of Dylan and all those in the autism community.

Catherine Hubbard: The Catherine Hubbard Playground was built in Ansonia, Connecticut in honor of Catherine Hubbard, a 6 year old girl at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  The ribbon cutting took place on May 31^st, 2013.  The playground showcases Catherine’s love for animals and her favorite colors, pink and purple.