BEDFORD — Installation of a new playground at Memorial Elementary School began Thursday as crews poured forms and got the ground ready to set up new structures.

The work of installing the equipment will continue today and on through the weekend.

Volunteers are still needed on Saturday and Sunday to spread bark mulch and perform the finishing touches, said Eileen Scullin, who coordinated the project.

“We are still looking for about 20 volunteers,” Scullin said.

The project has been two years in the making, said Scullin, and had a recent fundraising boost from the Bedford Friends of Recreation.

“They've done a lot of good things in town,” Scullin said. “Each year, they pick a project that really needs help, and this year it was us.”

For two years, the school's annual Spring Fling raised money for the playground, and the Bedford PTG has been active with the project as well.

“PTG has helped with all of the fundraisers,” said Scullin.

The playground will include standard equipment, such as slides and swings, as well as a climbing web and a special wheelchair-accessible area for physically challenged children.

“You can roll wheelchairs right into it and lock the wheels,” Scullin said.

Scullin has come full circle with her experience in spearheading playground builds; she was the force behind building the town playground nearly 20 years ago.

“And school playgrounds are also town playgrounds,” Scullin said, because they are available for public use during non-school hours.

Students were able to see some of the progress at school yesterday when they went out to recess.

“Kids broke out into spontaneous cheer when they saw how much the guys accomplished,” said Janice Sousa, Memorial Elementary School assistant principal.

Sousa said the most heartwarming thing to see was the appreciation of the students, from their applause, to their smiles to their genuine appreciation for the project.

“They are really excited,” she said.

Sousa said every little bit of help will be appreciated. Whether for the day or just an hour or two, volunteers are welcome, but children cannot be at the work site.

“Any help people can contribute will be great,” she said. “The sooner we get it done, the sooner the kids can use it.”

For more information about helping out, contact Eileen Scullin at aescullin@aol.com or contact Memorial Elementary School at 627-1776.