Ground Broken for New Nautical Themed Playground in Downtown Providence
By: Tim Studebaker
Facebook: @TStudebakerABC6
Twitter: @TStudebakerABC6
Email: tstudebaker@abc6.com
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – It’s a first for downtown Providence, a public playground in Burnside Park. Ground was broken today for Brandon’s Beach.
It’s a nautical themed playground that will be built with grants and donations, including money from the family and friends of Brandon Goldner, the playground’s namesake.
Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo addressed Brandon’s parents at the ground breaking ceremony, "Brandon’s going to live on in so many ways, but in particular here, in this park forever. So, thank you for taking your tragedy and turning it into a life–giving moment for Rhode Island."
Brandon was the son of Hasbro’s Chairman and CEO Brian Goldner and his wife Barbara. He died of an accidental heroin overdose in October 2015 at the age of 23.
Brandon’s father, Brian Goldner, says, "Brandon always made instant friends at a playground. It is going to be such a wonderful gift that we get to see thousands of parents watch their children play and make friends."
Brandon’s mother, Barbara Goldner, says, "Sometimes in our tradition and in other traditions, we plant a tree, a seed to grow. And I think, for us moms, to have something to nurture and care for when you lose a child – and you haven’t just given me a tree, you’ve given me an entire park filled with trees.”
Given the future location of the playground, Burnside Park, some folks might be concerned about their children’s safety when they bring them there to play. We asked Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza what steps will be taken to keep their kids safe.
Mayor Elorza says, "We’ve increased our presence, our police presence, here in the park over the past several months. That presence is going to continue."
©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2017
