A year ago, the William F. Stanley Elementary School was embroiled in controversy between Anglo and Spanish-speaking parents over its principal at the time, Waltham's first Hispanic administrator.

Today, the parents are finding common ground in, of all places, a playground.

They have joined forces to design and raise money for a state-of-the-art recreation area that both disabled and able-bodied children can enjoy. Due to be finished this summer, it will have the largest variety of wheelchair-accessible play equipment in the city.