Frank Mercede & Sons


		Twin Meadows Playground, Still Meadow School
		Imagine watching your friends play from your very own “cozy spot” inside a treehouse. As you enter this 15-foot high treehouse, the bright colors bring excitement to your eyes and the bell sings for you as you pull the cord. Your eyes are then drawn to the bump 'n' glide slide, cool topper, periscope panel and toy car on the playground below. Watching your friends play from high up used to be a fairly tale -- but not anymore!
	Similarly, having a playground where both their daughters could play together was merely a dream for Frank and Lori Mercede. The twin girls, Nicola and Jaclyn, were unable to play together because Jaclyn was born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. However, after reading about a universally accessible playground in West Hartford, Connecticut and visiting the National Center for Boundless Playgrounds ®, the Mercedes knew that building this special playground will allow their girls to play together.
	After receiving an outpouring of support from their local government, State of Connecticut, Picower Foundation, Glenn N. Howatt Foundation and many other local residents, Twin Meadows opened in October 2003. Twin Meadows is located at Still Meadow Elementary School , which assists and educates students with special needs. The Mercedes' dream came true. Jaclyn no longer has to sit on the sidelines and watch her sister play.