By Stephanie Raygoza
Editorial Intern
Sunny weather and feel-good tunes filled the atmosphere as hundreds of eager volunteers, children and adults alike, came out last Saturday to help build a new playground all in one day at the newly named “21st to Hill Mini Park.”
Helping to create a safe play area for families and the local community in the Wrigley neighborhood, the playground project was designed by parents and children. Volunteers from various nonprofit organizations, company representatives and Long Beach community members executed the construction of the playground.
Children helped decorate by splashing shades of paint on canvases and trash containers as part of Foresters Family Fun Zone, an area set aside for family arts and crafts, games and activities by Foresters, a life-insurance provider that has been a sponsor throughout the planning of the playground construction and has funded numerous playgrounds since 2006.
“Our whole purpose is the well-being of families,” said Karen Vandelaat, Foresters member coordinator. “We want to give back to the community, giving members a vehicle in which they can contribute.”
Nonprofit organization Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance (WANA), police officials, local high-school students and funding partners also contributed to the building of the playground. Funding for the project came from private partners, program grants through the City of Long Beach and corporate sponsors who in turn enlisted KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit whose mission is to create great playspaces through the participation and leadership of communities, to help implement a community-built model.
“It’s such a great way to bring everyone together to have a place to play,” said Jill Hill, WANA project leader for communities. “You want unity, it’s here; you want peace, it’s here.”
Adult volunteers weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty as they lifted and pieced together swing sets, a triple slider, lily pods for balance and a teeter-totter. A fence was also installed to keep the grounds safe for children.
“I like knowing that with everybody helping, it’ll be a great park for us to play at,” said 9-year-old Wrigley resident Sage Skaar.
Seventh District Councilmember James Johnson was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and helped unveil the playground, which he says “will finally provide children in the Wrigley area with a place to play, exercise, and stay healthy.”
More Information
kaboom.org
