With Warmer Weather Here, Ribbon Cutting Near, One of City's Biggest Projects Sees Full Throttle Work
By Jeff Toquinto on March 20, 2025
A roughly two-year project with a million-dollar-plus price tag is getting close to being open to the community.
Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Joe Shuttleworth said work is escalating with recent pleasant weather. While the ribbon cutting was initially set for mid-April for the Medbrook Children’s Charity Inclusive Playground, it will now be tentaively set for May 22.
The event is hoping to be held in tandem with one of the 2025 events of Challenger League of Bridgeport Little League baseball. That date would fall in line with the league's year-end celebration. Like the playground, 
Challenger League is designed to allow anyone with disabilities of any nature to have a joyous experience. The inclusive playground project will provide that experience for children, or anyone of any age, by eliminating as many obstacles as possible.
Challenger League is designed to allow anyone with disabilities of any nature to have a joyous experience. The inclusive playground project will provide that experience for children, or anyone of any age, by eliminating as many obstacles as possible.
“We’re still shooting toward a goal to have three-fourths of the playground open relatively soon,” said Shuttleworth.
Shuttleworth said he anticipates the first of June for the completion of all phases of the playground. Until then, concrete work and equipment installation will continue.
“(Bridgeport) Public Works crews have been completing sidewalks and curbing in recent weeks,” said Shuttleworth. “The curbing is to allow for the poured-in-place (PIP rubber) surfacing.”
A PIP surface is installed on-site by mixing rubber granules with a binder and pouring them over a prepared base. Once it is set, it creates 
a seamless, durable, and safe surface.
a seamless, durable, and safe surface.
The work, as well as the completed parts of the project, are clearly visible just to the right of the Citynet Center at The Bridge Sports and Recreation Complex. Shuttleworth estimates the cost in the $1.4 million range, but an actual cost of $2 million once in-kind labor, discounted materials, loaned equipment, is figured in.
“The important thing to understand is that there was a little city investment, but the majority of this has been a grassroots fundraising effort,” said Shuttleworth. “… There are so many people that have played really large roles and smaller roles, all of which are important, to get us to where we’re at.
“I think another important thing to note is that it may be labeled a playground, but it is essentially a park,” he continued. “You are looking at a one-acre site with multiple playgrounds on it.”
The playground, or playgrounds, will be free for use by anyone – and that includes anyone outside of Bridgeport.
“We’ve had volunteers from day one starting with the earth work and going today with our public works staff being so instrumental. We’ve had drainage work, utility lines run, the city concrete crew, and so many others eagerly step in and step up,” he said. “When it’s done, you’ll see some grassy areas, but you’ll see this beautiful facility for anyone with disabilities that has the playground feel and a spongy, safe surface that will allow those mobility devices or issues with their legs to just be themselves. The goal of this was to create something special, and we’re feeling good we’re just about there.”
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