KINGSTON – The City of Kingston is getting an $11,000 grant from the AARP Community Challenge to build a “chess playground.”
The outdoor facility will consist of two chess tables, four benches, possibly a shade structure, and a monthly chess meet-up, and will be built in a park or public space.
The project will be completed by November 4, 2019.
The site of the playground has yet to be determined. The city is seeking feedback from the community for the best location.
“We are so excited about this wonderful grant which will add a new and interesting asset to our community,” said Mayor Steven Noble. “We don’t currently have anything like a chess playground in our parks and the fast turnaround means it can be enjoyed very soon.”
Kingston is one of 159 winners out of 1,660 applicants to the AARP Community Challenge. The Play Well and Age Well focus teams of the Living Well Kingston Commission collaborated with the city’s grants management department to apply for the grant.
“The chess playground will create an opportunity for community connection and intergenerational play,” said Emily Flynn, director of Health and Wellness. “We hope to bring people together in our parks because time spent outdoors, and with others, fosters a culture of health.”
