Playground honors resident dedicated to helping his community

Aleta Bushey's late husband Wayne passed away in April due to heart problems.

"It makes me feel very happy, and I know he's looking down right now, from up in heaven and I know he's smiling and happy too that this is happening," Bushey said, "When he passed away we asked that the money go to the recreation department and this is what they're doing."

The Highgate Fire Department, The Knights of Columbus, community members along with the Bushey Family, are honoring Wayne by building a playground honoring his dedication to the youth in Highgate.

"We decided a playground would be perfect because Wayne was so active in the community," Karen Fortin of the Highgate Recreation Department said.

Wayne Bushey wanted nothing more than to give back to his community. He helped start the Missisquoi amateur hockey association or MAHA, and was the first fire chief of the Highgate volunteer fire department.

"I just think it's great and it's gonna be a great memory of Wayne." said Fortin.

A grant from Rise Vermont, a non-profit focused on healthy living, helped make it possible.

"I just thank all the people that are here today to help and the MAHA recreation for doing this in his honor and everyone in the town that's helped in anyway." Bushey says.

A man who dedicated his life to public service -- making a positive impact for years to come.