Photo gallery by Laura Alvarez shows the hardy Compo Beach playground crew hard at work earlier this week.

WESTPORT — Before playtime, work must be done.

And there’s plenty of work going on at Compo Beach this week as a cadre of volunteers, blessed by bright skies, does the heavy — but joyful — lifting to rebuild the nearly four-decade-old playground.

The week-long project, a true community initiative — from planning to fundraising and donations to volunteer laborers — will result in a new playscape for children that’s safer, modern, more accessible and resistant to the elements.

As work continues, with the goal of completing the build by Saturday, the organizing committee is still looking for volunteers to help. Click here to sign up.