150 Volunteers join forces to build the new ADA-accessable playground in Moore Park
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The following is a press release from Healthy Klamath.
KLAMATH FALLS, OR - On August 25 and 26, Healthy Klamath, Sky Lakes Medical Center, and the City of Klamath Falls joined forces to rally 150 volunteers to help construct the new 18,000 square foot, accessible playground in Moore Park. This initiative aims to enhance the recreational opportunities for children and families in Klamath Falls while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
The new playground, once completed, is set to provide a safe and inclusive environment for children to exercise their imagination and engage in active play. Equipped with a range of inclusive play structures and local features such as a lava cave labyrinth, a Klamath Tule Hut, and a Mt. McLoughlin climbing wall, this custom designed playground will undoubtedly become a popular destination for families throughout the Klamath Basin.
Healthy Klamath, Sky Lakes, and the City of Klamath Falls came together with a shared vision to provide an inclusive and dynamic space for children in the community to play, regardless of their physical abilities. Recognizing the need for such a facility, they have worked together since 2019 gaining community support, writing grants, hosting fundraisers, and successfully raised 1.4 million dollars together to help make this dream a reality.
On August 25 and August 26, over 150 volunteers came together to help build the playground alongside Modoc Construction and Leather and Associates, the playground company. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, the volunteers tackled various tasks, from laying foundations to building ramps, all with the goal of creating a safe and stimulating environment for children of all abilities.
This project continues to represent a display of unity and dedication to making the Klamath Falls community an even better place for all its residents. From the funding donated to the physical energy volunteers contributed, this playground has been a true community effort.
"We are grateful for the overwhelming generosity and involvement of the Klamath Falls community. From fundraising to volunteering, the community has truly stepped up to support this incredible playground," said Merritt Driscoll, Director of Community Relations at Sky Lakes Medical Center. "This project represents a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit. We hope that it will serve as a catalyst for future initiatives and inspire others to contribute to the betterment of Klamath Falls."
"We cannot stress enough the importance of fostering a vibrant and engaging environment for our children. Playgrounds not only provide opportunities for physical activity but also contribute to the development of social skills and creativity," added Mark Willrett from the City of Klamath Falls.
This inclusive ADA accessible playground will not only provide an exciting and inclusive space for children to play, but it will also stand as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the realization of shared dreams.
Stay tuned for further updates as Modoc Construction continues to work with the goal of completing the playground in October of 2023. To learn more or get involved in our next volunteer build day, go to www.healthyklamath.org/playground.
Let's celebrate this significant step towards building a stronger and more inclusive community for all!
