Community playground to be designed by area youth
This Friday, Cedarhome and Utsalady elementary students will receive blank planning sheets to draw their ideal playground. Children in Stanwood and Camano Island will have their say in the design of a new playground to be built at Freedom Park at Terry's Corner on Camano Island.
"On Design Day, (Friday) May 22, local kids get to work with the designer to decide what the playground will actually look like," explained Greg Gilday, the project's coordinator.
Similar community playgrounds have been designed by youth in Oak Harbor, Anacortes and Lynden.
"This is a true community effort," said Gilday. "People of all ages and abilities come together and donate the time, effort and materials needed to create the dreams of our children."
Sponsors' names will be placed on every item used in the playground, from fence pickets to slides to playhouse structures.
Local elementary schools will receive blank planning sheets for youth to draw their ideal playground. The playground's designer from Leathers and Associates will meet with youth from Cedarhome and Utsalady elementaries to hear about the drawings. The day culminates in a public debut of the final design at 6:30 p.m. at a community celebration at Camano Community and Senior Center.
A playground is planned for Terry's Corner. A kick-off party is Fri., May 22, 6:30 pm. "The playground is a blank slate right up to the public announcement," said Gilday. "Each park designed by Leathers and Associates is unique and reflects the local community."
The company began community playgrounds in 1971, offering design assistance. The company has designed playgrounds in all 50 states and seven other countries.
"Volunteers and donations are what will make this playground a reality for our children," Gilday said.
Donations may be made to the Stanwood Camano Area Foundation on behalf of the project.
A kick-off party will be held at the Camano Community and Senior Center Fri., May 22, 6:30 p.m.
More info. is available at iHeartParks.org or by phoning 629-2900.
