State Senator Patty Ritchie joined students from the Thousand Islands Central School District Thursday to cut the ribbon on the Village of Clayton’s “Wooden Castle Playground."

Recently, the playground was rebuilt with help from community members and soldiers from the 10^th Mountain Division’s 7^th Engineer Battalion.   Last year, Senator Ritchie secured $50,000 in special funding to help the village offset costs associated with construction.

“As a mother and grandmother, I know how important places like this are to families,” said Senator Ritchie.

“This playground though, is extra special—and that’s because it was made possible by volunteers who dedicated countless hours to making it a reality. Not only does this playground symbolize the hard work of volunteers, it also how soldiers and civilians in our region work together each and every day to make our region a better place.”

At the ribbon cutting, students presented Senator Ritchie with sculptures of their favorite parts of the new playground.  The sculptures—as well as cards and other artwork from students—are now on display at her Watertown District Office.