There is a lot of stress and division in our collective ranks these days.

It’s nice, then, to be reminded of what can happen when we come together to the betterment of our local communities. We refer, of course, to the pending culmination of work at the Lacy Playground in Warren. Work on the park will be complete by the end of September and includes two large play structures, a swing set, several additional play structures on the site, new pavilion, new parking lot, new drinking fountains, new basketball court and a restroom upgrade. Much of the new equipment is designed for children with special needs while the work also brings the park into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Funding for the project was initially provided by a grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources with additional funding from the city of Warren and the Rotary Club of Warren. Local donors, spearheaded by the Rotary Club, raised $140,000.

A lot of community minded folks have worked hard for two years to make Lacy Park’s upgrades a reality. And we’re sure not all of those volunteers are of like mind politically. Kudos, folks, for a job well done and for providing a welcome reminder that the divisiveness we see on big issues don’t have to sideline projects that benefit our community.