The sounds of children’s laughter and squeals boosted the whole town’s happiness quotient by at least a few points on Friday, May 27, as the community gathered to celebrate the official opening of the new playground at Manahawkin Lake Park.

(Photo by Victoria Ford)

(Photo by Victoria Ford)

Stafford Township Mayor Greg Myhre giggled like a kid himself as he and his son Gunnar played the larger-than-life harmonic chimes, one of several musical features to complement the main jungle gym and other amusements.