It’s not often that dreams become reality but starting May 19th the dreams of area youth will become real as more than 700 hundred volunteers turn a patch of ground in to the Rotary Adventure Playground in just five days. It started out simple enough, a couple of people talking about how the community lacked a truly destination place for youth to go play, imagine and grow. The group grew to a couple of dozen and then last year a playground designer spent the day talking to community youth about what things they would have in their ideal playground.
While you won’t find the anti-gravity chamber or the goo pit the final design captures both the essence of the Stanwood Camano Community and the wide-eyed dreams of youth. The Rotary Adventure Playground will become reality because of the nearly $200,000 in donations from community members and companies and the commitment from more than 700 construction volunteers that will do everything from painting to sawing and hammering and carrying.
“It is much like an Amish barn raising,” explained the project’s coordinator Greg Gilday. “Every day, ordinary people will show up and be guided through the tasks that will create a true community masterpiece.” Volunteers are not necessarily expert craftspeople but people that are willing to make a dream come true. “There is a role for everyone throughout the project,” explained Gilday, “and by Sunday afternoon we will have an amazing playground.”
“But none of this happens without each individual member of our community – both near and far – stepping up and playing a part,” said Gilday. Volunteers are still needed to make the magic happen from May 19th – 23rd. Tools are needed to create the dreams. You are needed.
Tools are guaranteed to be returned in as good as condition as they are loaned. A complete list of tools is available at www.iHeartParks.org. Tools are being checked in on Sunday May 16th at Freedom Park located at Terry’s Corner on Camano Island.
Volunteers can sign up for specific shifts and tasks at www.iHeartParks.org. Childcare is available as is meals while you are volunteering. “So many of our local restaurants and organizations have agreed to provide the dozens of meals necessary for this project – it will almost be like a taste of Stanwood Camano,” explained Gilday.
You, the community, are needed, to make this happen. Come. Join in the creation of something truly good.
The Rotary Adventure Playground is a community effort. Volunteers and donations are what will make this playground a reality for our children. Donations may be made to the Stanwood Camano Area Foundation on behalf of the project. More information is available at iHeartParks.org or by calling 360-629-2900.
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