News: Bristol Youth See Designs Come to Life at Brackett Park and Federal Hill Green

Bristol Youth See Designs Come to Life at Brackett Park and Federal Hill Green

Bristol, CT – A ribbon cutting was held on Saturday, May 15, 2021, for the opening of the repainted playground turtles at Brackett Park and Federal Hill Green.

In January of 2020, the City of Bristol Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services (BPRYCS) released the design contest calling for Bristol youth, ages 4 to 16, to submit designs for the repainting of the Federal Hill Green and Brackett Park Playground Turtles. Over three hundred eighty designs were submitted by March of 2020. In conjunction with the City of Bristol Arts and Culture Commission, three winners were selecting and announced shortly after in April, Azariah R., 10, Rocxana R., 12 and Amelia H., 6. 

One year later, amongst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the re-painted turtles at both Brackett Park and Federal Hill Green were welcomed with open arms this past Saturday. The winning artists and their family and friends were joined by Mayor Ellen Zoppo- Sassu, BPRYCS Superintendent Dr. Joshua Medeiros, BPRYCS Deputy Superintendent Sarah Larson, members of the community, and antsy playground goers to formally announce the opening of the newly designed turtles.

Deputy Superintendent Larson explained the newly painted turtles will stand the test of time, “These turtles hold a special place in many Bristol community members’ hearts who can remember playing on them in the 80’s. They desperately needed a facelift and these fun designs were the perfect way to engage local children in the process. Following the design selection it was important to ensure the turtles would hold up for many children to enjoy for years to come. It’s exciting to see the designs come to life and to know that the youth had a special part in making it happen.”

The children’s designs feature geometric shapes, polka dots, colorful stripes, and one turtle reminiscent of a delicious ice cream cone! Share fun snapshots of your turtle adventures with BPRYCS by tagging them on Instagram (@bristolctparksrecservices) and Facebook (@BristolCTParksandRecreation).