Patriots, Revolution Help Build Playground In Waltham

BOSTON (CBS) - Tuesday is the usually an off-day for the New England Patriots, but members of the team spent it helping out the community.

Players from the Patriots and New England Revolution joined more than 200 volunteers on Tuesday to build a new playground at Prospect Hill Terrace in Waltham.

Julian Edelman, Nate Solder, Michael Hoomanawanui, Kenbrell Thompkins and 10 other Patriots, along with 14 members of the Revolution, were on hand to help build the playground, which was designed based on drawings created by children who participated in a Design Day event back in July.

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Prior to today, the more than 177 children from the Prospect Hill Terrace low-income housing development only had a playground with old equipment salvaged from a former public school, and the closest town park is more than a mile away. Now, they have a safe place to play right outside their front doors.

"It hasn't been smooth, but we're doing our best," said Solder. "It's great because we're giving back to this community and these kids. I always feel like a playground brings a group together and kids can play there and families can be a part of it. It's neat."

"I'm over at the mural painting, so I got let off the hook a little bit," joked tight end Michael Hoomanawanui. "Anytime we can get out in the community and support the people that support us on Sundays, it's definitely a great feeling. I'm happy to be a part of it"

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"I love it," said Solder. "We're not doing too much (physical labor) but we're doing enough where we're helping people out. So that's important to me."

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The Patriots will be back on the practice field on Wednesday preparing for their Week 3 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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