Fundraiser to help build all-ability playground in Colonie

Dozens of people from across the Capital Region attended a huge bbq fundraiser on Saturday at the Midway Fire Department in Colonie.

Family and friends of Charlie Fernandez, who was just 7-years-old when she passed away as a result of neuroblastoma, have embarked on a major project to build an all-ability playground in her honor. She was a student at Saddlewood Elementary School when she died in April 2021.

Before Charlie lost her battle with cancer, she lost her eyesight. The playground will be for all children and will feature an area for those with visual impairments.

Charlie’s Playground, will be built by the organization Where Angels Play and many local volunteers in spring of 2023.

The Where Angels Play Foundation was founded following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. Since then, 26 playgrounds were constructed along the coast of three states and built by firefighters, police officers, teachers, school administrators and community volunteers.