RICHMOND, Va. -- As the Washington Redskins return to the field for training camp in Richmond Wednesday, the team's charitable foundation announced plans to build a new playground in Richmond’s East End.
Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones and 7th District Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille, joined team owner Dan Snyder and Bon Secours CEO Toni Ardabell, Wednesday afternoon to break ground on the "Play 60" playground.
City leaders and Redskins staff break ground on new Play 60 playground.
It will be built in the vacant lot next to Woodville Elementary School on Fairfield Avenue.
Mayor Dwight Jones said this is another benefit of having the Redskins training camp in the city.
“We are all about the transformation of the East End neighborhood and we’ve been working with Dr. Newbille and the residents here to make sure the transformation of this community becomes a reality,” Mayor Jones said.
Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones and Redskins Owner Dan Snyder.
Snyder said giving back has been important to him, since he and his wife bought the franchise about 16 years ago.
“We can touch lives using a combination of goodwill, charity, our football team, our organization to really make a difference,” said Snyder.
The Redskins Charitable Foundation contributed $100,000 and Bon Secours gave $50,000 to the project.
“Football to safety clinics to back to school shopping, they really are making a difference beyond the training camp, the charitable foundation is doing a tremendous job,” said Jones.
Plans for the playground include AstroTurf and a 40-yard dash course with a timer.
The Redskins are the second NFL team to build a playground in their community.
