Good morning, Westport.

Over 600 local volunteers and community partners raised more than $740,000 to build a new Compo Beach Playground that surpassed its $650,000 goal.

The project, led by Lee Archin’s Playgrounds by Design—after two weeks of work in April and May—opens this weekend for Westport families to enjoy.

Staples High School celebrated its top students—valedictorian Abe Lobsenz, a state-record power lifter and academic team member, and salutatorian Mattie Guadarrama, active in debate, chess, and music—who will speak at graduation on June 11.

Westport will host its Independence Day fireworks celebration at Compo Beach on July 2 as tickets go on sale Monday at $75 per vehicle.

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk will celebrate Rasal’s 40th birthday on May 26, honoring the harbor seal known for predicting Super Bowl winners.

Senior mammal trainer Dylan Salamone said Rasal, rescued in 1985, has long served as a trusted ambassador and mentor to new staff.

Parks and Recreation officials have not chosen a location for the new maintenance building and are gathering staff input and consultant guidance to decide on its size, cost and features - including questions about showers - as part of the Longshore Capital Improvement Plan.

They also invited community input for an updated parks master plan with public meetings planned for summer and fall.

On May 23, a U.S. District Court halted the Department of Education layoffs and ordered that all fired employees be reinstated after Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and 20 other state officials filed a lawsuit.

Tong said the ruling stops a lawless political attack on kids and schools — and he vowed to continue fighting in court to protect education.

In April, Aspetuck Health District inspected 21 local eateries and found that 10 Westport establishments had serious food violations—issues with food temperature, sanitation, and chemical storage near food were noted.

All violations were corrected within 72 hours as required by health guidelines.

Former UConn star Paige Bueckers will play her first WNBA game in Connecticut on May 27 when the Dallas Wings face the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena at 7 p.m. Tickets are selling quickly, with prices ranging from $77 to over $1,500.

Dan Bikel: A Little Folk Music

7-8:30 p.m. — The Westport Library — Ticket includes a complimentary drink — Experience heartfelt melodies and harmonies with local singer-songwriter Dan Bikel.

Garden Terrarium Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Jenni Kayne Home - Westport — Light refreshments provided — Learn to create a lush terrarium with seasonal plants in this hands-on workshop.