After its equipment began to show its age, community members in Smithfield recently came together to help rebuild the Old County Road School playground.

The playground was originally built about 30 years ago, and in the last few months, three major pieces of play equipment were removed after breaking.

Shortly after, the Old County Road Playground Project was created and funds were raised to purchase new equipment. Nearly 20 volunteers turned out to unload and sort the equipment, and about 32 worked to install it.

Jill Fontaine, co-chairperson of the playground project, said volunteers included local students, school alumni, firefighters, Lions Club members and more.

“It was a true community effort and we were lucky to have the right people stepping up at the right time,” she said.

Local businesses also contributed time, equipment and food to feed volunteers.

Fontaine said fundraising efforts for the playground will continue to fund accessible pathways, more equipment, maintenance and landscaping. •