By BEA O'QUINN DEWBERRY
MassLive.com

SPRINGFIELD - Once a field of dirt with decayed equipment, the playground at the YMCA of Greater Springfield was transformed yesterday into a fantasy-land for children thanks to the work of hundreds of volunteers.

"We envision a great place to play within walking distance for every child in America," said Meg Keaney, project manager for KaBOOM!, a nonprofit organization that provides playgrounds in neighborhoods throughout the country.

KaBOOM! worked in conjunction with The Home Depot, which provided a $47,200 grant, and the YMCA of Greater Springfield, which contributed $10,000.