PEABODY — The students of West Memorial Elementary School gathered in anticipation for the unveiling of their school’s brand-new playground on Monday morning.
The state-of-the-art playground was dedicated to Peabody Police officer Henry Breckenridge and former student Olivia Bormann.
Breckenridge served his hometown as a patrolman for the Police Department until his death in July. His mother, Charlotte; brother Daniel; and sister-in-law Danielle were all in attendance and described Henry Breckenridge’s compassion for the city’s youth.
“He loves kids, he was the favorite uncle,” Charlotte Breckenridge said. “He’d be having a great time running around, pushing people, making sure they get up and down… I know he’s up there watching and enjoying.”
She added that she just recently learned that the school’s new playground would be dedicated to her late son, and that it was a pleasant surprise.
Bormann, a recent graduate of West Memorial, has been unable to walk for the last two years due to a form of paralysis. “Olivia’s Orbit” is a unique structure built for the playground that is accessible for children with physical disabilities, including those who require mobility devices.
“Olivia, you’ve been through a whole bunch these last couple of years, but you’ve remained with a positive attitude, you’ve persevered through everything, and you’re a role model for everyone around,” West Memorial Parent Teacher Organization President Katie Colombo said. “You just keep going no matter what. We love you and that’s for you.”
Colombo was joined by Mayor Ted Bettencourt, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Josh Vadala, and West Memorial Principal Julie Broughton as they addressed the attendees and cut the ribbon with the help of the Breckenridge and Bormann families.
Colombo was presented with a citation of community recognition for her role as a driving force behind the construction of the updated playground. She detailed the 18-month process of establishing the West Memorial Playground nonprofit fund in order to make her vision a reality. In addition to dedicating it to two community figures, she emphasized the need the school had for this kind of facility, as the previous playground was more than 50 years old.
“It was quite a process, but we had an amazing team of people, a lot of support,” Colombo said.
