MERIDEN - Even during the playscape's dedication ceremony, children could not stay away from the slides and swings.
"It's all about the kids," master of ceremonies Ric Suzio said Wednesday.

A crowd of at least 100 gathered to celebrate Hubbard Park's newest addition -Adventure Hollow Playground. The playscape was made possible because of the money raised by Noah's Ark of Hope Foundation. The project also received financial assistance from the state with a $100,000 grant.

"It's the community's vision and for that we thank everyone," said Allyson Zenkert, who represented Noah's Ark of Hope at the ceremony.

Adventure Hollow Playground was built in memory of 1-year-old Noah Bourdon, who died in August 2006 when he fell from a playscape at Baldwin's Pond and struck his head. He was the son of Sarah Bourdon and Chris Bourdon, the city's recreational supervisor.

The barrier-free playground is near Hubbard Park's swimming pool. It is 13,000 square feet and features areas for different age groups.

Wednesday, children took a break from playing to stand near a ribbon hung for the ceremony. They were surrounded by elected officials state Sen. Thomas P. Gaffey, D-Meriden, Interim Mayor Matthew C. Dominello Sr. and City Council Majority Leader Michael S. Rohde, all holding an oversized pair of scissors.

"Let's give him a haircut," Gaffey said when teasing 3-year-old Erik Suzio.

On the count of three, the ribbon was cut and noisemakers sounded.

While the ceremony marked the official dedication and the opening of the playground, Parks and Recreation and Building Maintenance Director Mark Zebora said children have been flocking to the playground since its construction was completed in April - just before the Daffodil Festival.

"We couldn't keep them off of it," he said.

Wednesday, Michael Purcell helped his 1-year-old son, Connor, down the slide. The father-son duo from Middletown has Meriden connections and is friendly with the Bourdon family. Nearby, Waterbury's Becky Jolley watched as her daughter, Taylor Hubbard, 4, played on the monkey bars.

"We actually came down to the park to meet our friends, and we just ended up in the middle of all this," Jolley said.

The ceremony was festive with heartfelt messages of thanks, balloons and face paint for the children and a cookout for all. State Rep. Catherine F. Abercrombie, D-Meriden, described the new playscape as an added jewel to the park. Rohde described it as a destination and an example of what can happen when the Meriden community works together.

Gaffey also chimed in.

"I think it's tremendous that the spirit of Noah can endure throughout the ages," he said.

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