Preston — The Parks and Recreation Department tore down the decaying former playground at Preston Community Park early in spring to gear up for a community build project to erect a new playground with equipment for younger and older children.

But COVID-19 shutdowns closed many playgrounds throughout the region and postponed the community project for several months.

Now it’s back on schedule, and Parks and Recreation Director Amy Brosnan is seeking 40 to 50 volunteers this weekend to erect two sets of playground equipment and a swing set at the park.

The community build is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday at Preston Community Park, 13 Route 117. Brosnan is requesting that volunteers register ahead of time to allow organizers to plan for the work, and to allow them to order food for the volunteers.

Brosnan said about 30 volunteers have signed up for Saturday, and 20 for Sunday.

“We have established COVID-19 safety precautions,” Brosnan said. Those include required mask-wearing and social distancing. “We have work for all skills and abilities. People don’t have to think they have to have a certain kind of skill to come out and help,” she said.

Volunteers do not have to be Preston residents. Volunteers can register online on the Preston town website, www.preston-ct.org, or by contacting the Parks and Recreation Department at (860) 887-5581, ext. 113, or by email at recreation@preston-ct.org.

“Our old playscape brought a lot of joy to kids both in Preston and surrounding towns,” Brosnan said. “What we’re trying to do is create a community project everyone can enjoy.”

c.bessette@theday.com