Sigonella Family Helps Rebuild Local Park

By Contessa Larsen

Along with the Larsen family (left) and Deputy Mayor Mirella Rizzo (right), Santa Maria di Licodia Mayor Totò Mastroianni performs a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open up the renovations at a neighborhood park.

A Sigonella family recently coordinated the renovation of a local playground in the nearby town of Santa Maria di Licodia. Luke and Contessa Larsen noticed that their neighborhood park in Santa Maria Di Licodia was in need of some renovations. But instead of avoiding the park altogether, they saw it as an opportunity to redesign a portion of it.

After bringing the idea to Naval Air Station Sigonella’s Community Relations Director, Dr. Alberto Lunetta, it was decided to take the idea to city officials and coordinate a joint community relations project. From there, the Larsens began hosting volunteer events to give the park renewed purpose. Volunteers from Sigonella and from the town helped get the renovations across the finish line. Many reclaimed materials were used to maximize the town’s investment.

The renovations were completed and a grand opening was held on Saturday, May 4. Mayor Totò Mastroianni and Deputy Mayor Mirella Rizzo oversaw the ribboncutting ceremony, celebrating the efforts of over 400 volunteer hours. Many families from Santa Maria di Licodia came to enjoy the new playground equipment and listen to music provided by the Sigonella volunteer band, “Magnetic Wood.”

“It comes down to seeing an opportunity to give back to your community and then taking the steps to make a positive change,” said Luke Larsen. “Since we’re PCSing soon, we just really hope we can leave a positive impression on Licodia and all the people that live there,” added Contessa.