OBSERVER Photo by Andrew David Kuczkowski Members of the J. Carter Knapp American Legion in Forestville and Hanover Little League cut the ribbon to unveil the new playground at the Legion Field in Forestville on Saturday. Holding the scissors and cane in the center is Homer 'Chum' Bowker, who was one of the leading donors for the playground.

FORESTVILLE — A brand-new playground was unveiled on Saturday during the Hanover Little League’s opening ceremonies at Legion Field. Members of the J. Carter Knapp American Legion and Hanover Little League say the addition allows a complete family atmosphere to benefit all age groups.

“I had this vision in my head that the older kids are playing ball and during the game, what little kids want to sit there and watch (the older kids) play?” Bob Bradigan said. “They don’t want to. They want to play.”

The playground allows children to stay active and be close to the playing field. The area is located right between Legion Field and the American Legion.

Bradigan, a board member for Hanover Little League and Legion Field Manager for the post, added that the playground came from privation donations by local businesses and residents. The playground was around $5,000 and had some of its equipment donated as well to add to that value.

“It’s great to see the community coming together and bringing back the joy of baseball and outside,” Hanover Little League’s player agent and baseball coordinator Pete Lucas said. “It’s really enjoying to see something come together like this to get people outside, enjoying the weather and being a family together.”

One donor stood out in the crowd. Homer “Chum” Bowker, Jr. gave the most donations for the playground and was the honorary ribbon cutter for the event. Bowker is a former Forestville village mayor and has deep family roots in the Forestville area.

Hanover Little League has two fields with the other on Ward Avenue in Silver Creek. The team is made up of Forestville and Silver Creek players and split their games between the two fields. To keep up to date with the Hanover Little League, follow its Facebook page “Hanover Little League.”