Local News
“This project became more than a build—it became a testament to connection, healing, and hope.”
A new playground opened over the weekend in Duxbury that honors the memory of three children who were killed in 2023.
The Clancy Family Playground at Wadsworth Field Park was built to honor the lives of 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan Clancy by hundreds of volunteers over the course of four days. The playground project was organized by the HEARD Foundation — founded by the children’s father Patrick Clancy to support parental mental health — and built with assistance from the Where Angels Play Foundation.
The children’s mother, Lindsay Clancy, is accused of killing her children in the family’s Duxbury home before attempting to take her own life. Prosecutors have charged her with murder; her attorneys allege she was overmedicated and suffering from postpartum depression at the time.
The HEARD Foundation in a statement described the new playground as a “joyful, inclusive, and healing space for families to gather and play.”
“Every inch of this playground was designed with intention and love,” the organization wrote, sharing a video of the new space and the ribbon cutting ceremony. “Pat thoughtfully incorporated special touches to honor each child: a cozy toddler area for Callan, a vibrant purple structure for Cora—her favorite color and a sweet nod to Princess Sofia—and a firefighter panel for Dawson’s deep admiration of first responders. Three trees were planted in their memory, standing tall as living symbols of their light. The entire space was built to include children of all ages and abilities, just as it should be.”
Building the playground, the organization said “signs from angels above reminded us we were never alone.”
“This project became more than a build—it became a testament to connection, healing, and hope,” the group said.
A photo of Cora, Dawson, and Callan greets visitors to the playground and angel wings are featured on shade structures around the play area.
According to the HEARD Foundation, Patrick Clancy told those who gathered for the ribbon cutting on Saturday that his daughter’s favorite way to end the day was by saying, “Thank you for a beautiful day in the neighborhood.”
The 5-year-old’s saying is printed on a panel at the playground, the words wrapped around a rainbow heart.
“We couldn’t imagine a more perfect way to honor that spirit,” the organization said.
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