Pasquarello speculated that the weapon may have been hidden at the park after a fight between drug dealers, or after a robbery.
"Hypodermic needles have been found in this area, but never a gun," he said.
"There may be drug dealers in the park at night, even though the police do patrol the area."
Both boys said they knew not to play with the weapon because of lessons their parents had taught them. Kelso said that television also influenced his actions.
"I've seen [guns] on TV and how you're not supposed to play with them," he said. "If you ever see a gun, tell an adult."
D'Entremont said his parents had taught him to "always treat a gun like it's loaded and never play with it or wave it around."
Despite finding the loaded firearm at the playground, both boys said they still feel safe playing there.
"Guns aren't everywhere," D'Entremont said, "just in some places."