In the fall of 2005, Longmeadow Parks and Recreation Department applied for and was awarded the grant that provides us today with distinction of boasting the only Boundless Playground in Western Massachusetts. 

In a tribute to longtime President of the Hasbro Games Division, E. David Wilson, Hasbro, Inc. awarded LPRD with a grant valued at $350,000 to build the 14,000 square foot playscape that features a Candyland Pathway, Monopoly cars, and life-size Twister Board. Mr. Potato Head stands six feet tall at the entrance of the park, greeting all visitors.  The facility also boasts large poured-in-place fall surfaces, a sand play area with digger trucks, both handicap-accessible and traditional swings, several variations of slides, a zip cord, tire swing, balance elements and climbing structures. 

 Ground breaking began in March of 2006 and the grand opening and dedication ceremony was June 17, 2006.  Though the bulk of the playground construction was outsourced, there were many helping hands that came from the Department.  From the Parks division to the Child Care Director; from the Recreation Coordinator to the Administrative Assistant, almost every Department employee could be seen with a shovel in his or her hand at one time or another!

The Boundless philosophy is to provide a place to play for every child, of every ability, everywhere.  The 45-acre Bliss Park, located on the corner of Bliss Road and Laurel Street, is a beautiful location for the playscape and, since its June opening, has already been enjoyed by hundreds of children, playgroups and families in the metro-Springfield area. 

Longmeadow Parks and Recreation was presented with the 2006 Facility Design of the Year Award by the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association.

 To learn more about Boundless Playgrounds, visit www.boundlessplaygrounds.org.