For April Backer, the transformation of the playground at the Children’s Therapy and Early Education School was magical.
The CT School welcomed the community, its students and their …
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For April Backer, the transformation of the playground at the Children’s Therapy and Early Education School was magical.
The CT School welcomed the community, its students and their families to the new Sara C. Robertson Memorial Playground that features accessibility upgrades and new equipment for a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony on Thursday morning.
Robertson, the playground’s namesake, worked as a speech therapist at the school for more than 20 years before she died in 2023. She left a legacy of making even the smallest moments special on the playground. Her husband, Tony Robertson, cut the ribbon in her honor once formally and then a second time while coming down one of the slides — “Sara style,” as he called it.
“Sara believed in the power of playtime,” Tony said. “Sara believed in letting kids be kids. There is a time and a place for clinical settings and diagnoses and stuff like that, but even that she made fun, and comfortable and kid focused.”
He added that Robertson’s legacy will be more than the playground pieces and upgrades — it will be the students’ laughter and squeals of delight as they enjoy it.
Backer, assistant director of the CT School, explained that Robertson, like many of her fellow CT School staff members, envisioned a space for safe play that would be accessible to students of all abilities.
“Our students grow and flourish here because of the heart and soul that people pour into it like Sara Robertson,” Backer said.
The playground was completely resurfaced to make it more accessible to children with mobility aids. Its rubber surface also makes the playground a bit safer, and kids will be able to play after it rains. Other upgrades included a new spinner, a shade structure and a racetrack built into the playground surface.
Backer worked with Robertson for 18 years. She said Robertson loved the school and all the work she did, but most importantly, she had fun doing it.
“Her memory, her legacy, her presence, her love for this place, lives on right here,” Backer said while holding back tears. “Those of us who continue doing this work do so because we’ve been inspired by Sara.”
After the ceremony, children were invited to play with their family and peers.
“We are continually striving for what is best for our kids, always, and we love what we do,” Backer said.
Lauren Oliver, director of the Children’s Therapy and Early Education School, said while the playground project started long before she came to the CT School a year and a half ago, she was honored to be a part of the project.
“I just really want to thank everyone who has been a support to the school — all the local businesses and foundations, our board members — we really appreciate it,” Oliver said. “We definitely couldn’t have done it without you."
