PORTSMOUTH — There were plenty of sticky fingers at the Turnpike Avenue Playground on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 30.

The Four Hearts Foundation hosted a “Popsicles for Play” event at the site, which will eventually be home to the nonprofit’s new adaptive and inclusive playground. The free event honored local children with some ice-cold popsicles after the first day of school.

“It was a great turnout and made me so excited for the future of the Portsmouth Playground and community space,” said Kateri Chappell Buerman, who runs the foundation. “I loved watching all the children play. Kids have a way of bonding quickly, even with children they may not know. It felt like magic to witness such pure happiness and joy. Play has so much power and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Buerman said she wished all students a successful school year. 

“I am going to work really hard this year too so that when summer vacation comes, our community has a more safe, adaptive, inclusive and fun place to play,” she said.

The Foundation needs about $790,000 to construct the playground, and so far has raised more than $600,000 through donations, fund-raisers and small grants from foundations and trusts. The group recently purchased the structures for $390,000, and hired a contractor for $141,000.

The playground has been curated with Megan O’Brien from O’Brien and Sons to meet the needs of all ages and abilities. 

For more information and to learn how to donate or help the Foundation reach its goal, visit https://fourheartsfoundation.com.