A $22,500 grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Amato Family Fund has pushed the Jaffrey Parks and Recreation Department over its funding goal to complete the second phase of playground improvements at Humiston Field.

Phase one of the improvement expanded the playground with new swings and climbing structures, including a combination swing that has a seat for a parent and young child. The first phase cost about $34,700, and was also paid for in part through grant funding from GameTime.

The town has been raising funds for the second half of the project since 2018, but COVID-19 and rising costs due to inflation had delayed fundraising efforts. A total of $13,000 had been raised in the last five years through individual donations. 

Phase two of the project will include the installation of a set of four swings, an inclusive swing and a playground structure with a slide and climbing bars that are suitable for children ages 2 to 5.

Recreation Director John Kohlmorgen said he was approached by Nancy Amato to discuss receiving grant funding from the Amato Fund to complete the project.

“She reached out to me, wanting to help with this project. She has grandchildren in this area, and was interested in having the equipment that is for that 2- to 5-year-old range,” Kohlmorgen said.

Kohlmorgen said the play structure will be the first piece of equipment in the playground specifically for the youngest children who come to the park.

“I think it’s important to have something for all age ranges,” Kohlmorgen said. “A 5-year-old might be able to use equipment for older kids, but a 2-year-old would have a hard time. Having a structure that’s just for that age group will be great, and it will put parents at east knowing they have a structure that’s suited for their age group.”

The grant is administered by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, which is a statewide foundation founded in 1962. The foundation awards more than $60 million in grants and scholarships each year.

Construction and installation of the new equipment is planned for early fall. A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be announced at a later date.

Kohlmorgen said there are no further plans for playground upgrades, and said the next step for the Recreation Department is likely to look at Humiston Park as a whole, though there are no specific projects lined up.

Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172, Ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.