Southampton has opened their first town's ADA-compliant play area, Maddie's Magical Playground, in memory of an 8-year-old girl, Madeline "Maddie" Schmidt, who tragically passed away from diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) on New Year's Eve 2022, according to Gazettenet. Set up at Labrie Field, the playground not only symbolizes the fortitude of Maddie but also the values she cherished.

Known for her benevolent nature, Maddie was a radiant girl who loved soccer and cheerleading. This recreation area, designed as a tribute to her, will extend her joy and "sparkle" to all children, regardless of their mobility status, expressed her mother, Nora Schmidt.

Maddie's Magical Playground is the culmination of various groups' efforts, from the Southampton Parks Department and the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to the Town of Southampton Selectboard. The project began in May, with community members and family volunteers contributing to the playground's construction. It serves as a symbol of Southampton's unity and their pursuit towards a disability-friendly world.

The playground, painted in Maddie's favorite colors, purple and teal, houses numerous features catering to children of different needs. Ramps connecting the parking lot to the playground, slides, benches, picnic tables, an interactive panels-equipped playing area at the surface level, and an accessible picnic table, among others, promise an enjoyable visit for all. It also features the "bird's nest", an accelerator swing - amplifying the heartfelt thought behind every detail of the playground.

Maddie's Magical Playground reflects the unwavering dedication of Maddie's family, friends, and Juliet Locke of On Point Construction Services, the engineer who brought the Norris School playground to life. Magic for Maddie, a program advocating for DIPG research, was established in 2022 in light of Maddie's treatments at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the desperate need for a cure for this lethal dark horse of cancer types.

Madeline "Maddie" Schmidt's death is undoubtedly a monumental loss, but her legacy lives on. The establishment of Maddie's Magical Playground is a beginning, not an end - a commencement to spread Maddie's enthusiasm across her town and further the fight against DIPG, as reported by WWLP.