PORTSMOUTH — The Four Hearts Foundation’s dream of an inclusive and adaptive playground for Portsmouth children has started to come to a reality.

On Feb. 1 the Department of Public Works started the organization’s project by dismantling the old playground structure on Turnpike Avenue — built in 1988 — to make room for bigger and better multi-structure play area this spring.

The nonprofit is finishing up fund-raising for a soft recycled rubber flooring for the new playground, said Kateri Chappell Buerman, who runs the foundation, adding that the “flooring is imperative to fulfill our mission.”

The flooring is self-draining which increases usability, especially in New England, she said, and decreases injuries given its soft nature. In addition, it helps the foundation meet its goal of accessibility for all. 

“When we started this project we wanted to do it the right way, even if it took longer to complete,” said Buerman, pointing out that the soft flooring is preferable to mulch.

Se said the foundation is grateful to the community for its support. “We are thrilled to shift from our tagline, ‘Let’s build a playground,’ to ‘We’re building a playground,’” she said. “We could have never reached this goal without the community. I will be forever thankful and grateful for each and every person who has been involved so far. You have reminded me why I love small towns and communities. Projects like this take a village and I am so thankful you all are in mine.” 

The foundation’s website is www.FourHeartsfoudation.com, and Buerman can be reached at fourheartsfoundation4@gmail.com.