On April 20 we published an article on the volunteer group The Friends of Brodie Park which highlighted the group’s contributions to Brodie Park, including the Funlandia playground. We have received several emails informing us of Jill Healey’s special role in getting the Funlandia playground established at Brodie Park. Below is Michael Healey’s Letter to the Editor he emailed us regarding his wife’s role in the project.
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Dear NewHartfordPlus Editor:
Jill has never really been recognized as the true driving force behind this wonderfull asset to Brodie Park and our community in general. The idea started as a dream among a group of stay at home mothers. They all agreed that New Hartford deserved a playground to call its own. Without Jill however, the playground we know today never would have come to be.
The most important aspect of this is that there is a great story and a lesson for all of us here. Jill and her friends had a vision which started at the grass roots level. They mobilized, planned and organized, and their common vision was ultimately achieved. They approached the Friends of Brodie at that time and sold the leadership of FOB on the idea to pursue this as one of their organizational goals. The leadership saw this as a project that was worthwhile and supported it. Jill was responsible for securing the State Grant that was crucial in completing the project. She had special knowledge on how to apply for and advocate for such assistance.
This is the point I feel is crucial. That people in our community can make a positive impact and truly affect lives in such a good way if they follow their dream. That is what Jill did. She often told me that she would like to see children smiling on the playground… and thanks to her efforts that is a reality.
Please feel free to use this communication as my letter to the editor.
Many thanks to Michael for providing us and our readers with information about Jill’s role. We are happy to be able to include Jill’s essential contribution to the Funlandia playground project. Thank you, Jill, for everything you did in making sure the young children of New Hartford have such a wonderful playground to call their own.
We have included a photo of one of the plaques erected in Funlandia giving the names of the members of the Playscape Committee whose efforts made the Playscape possible. Jill Healey and Georgia Austin are at the head of the list. This photo is one of many waiting to be processed and included in the Friends of Brodie album in our photo gallery. We also have photos for a Brodie Park album. As time permits, we hope to make these photo albums available on NewHartfordPlus, as well as many others, compiling what we hope will become a repository of our special New Hartford community we are all helping to build.
Thank you Jill! You are a truly dedicated member of the community and we appreciate all of your work that you put into The playscape! It is a truly fabulous place here in town that we visit often and truly enjoy! My kids Love it!!!! Jill is a great lady who is always smiling and always friendly and has a beautiful family! She is also a room mother in our 4th grade class and is just wonderful for volunteering for that too! Jill is a great role model for our community! Keep up the great work Jill!