The King Milling Creekside Kingdom playground reconstruction is moving forward, and the community is welcome to get involved in a big way.
Members of the Lowell Rotary Club are heading up the rebuilding project and invite anyone interested in helping to become part of a building team on Sept. 18 – 22.
Located in Creekside Park on Gee Drive, the structure, which was formerly known simply as Creekside Kingdom, was built 30 years ago by Lowell community members. It will be torn down on Sept. 3 as most of the old structure’s wooden components have worn out.
The playground, which is the centerpiece of the 22-acre park, will have a completely new design including more swings and towers, a rock-climbing wall, and a ninja-warrior style course. The new structure will be composed of composite materials.
The Lowell Rotary Club is looking for more volunteers, tools, and some supplies to help with the work. Project co-chair Cody Chambers says about 100 people have already signed up to work on the project, but they are still in need of more volunteers. Teams will be formed to work in shifts throughout the construction days.
The earliest shift for construction volunteers will begin at 8 am, and the work will finish around 8 pm each day, with several rest and meal breaks in between. Volunteers can commit to as much time as they are able. Childcare and meals will be provided.
Chambers says volunteers do not need to be skilled or have building experience in any way. Those with experience in using power tools will most likely be assigned to teams that will use them, but there are many jobs open for people who have no experience.
“Can you cut a straight line? Can you carry a bottle of water? Somewhere in there we’re going to find something for you to do,” Chambers says.
There is no contingency plan for bad weather, and aside from a lightning storm, work will continue through rain. All electrical equipment will be kept under the pavilion or a tent, according to Chambers.
“We will throw on some raincoats and hope for the best,” he says.
Chambers adds there is a need for tools and supplies. He is asking volunteers and anyone in the community to bring saws, hammers, tape measures, and power drills to the work site. They also need tables and chairs to be set up for an eating area.
Project co-chair Theresa Mundt says 90% of the funding has been raised through private and business donors and fundraising events. The budget for the structure is $400,000, and $389,670 has been raised.
Funds are also being raised by selling “pickets” that will line the outside perimeter of the structure, and the sponsorship of structure components. Donors’ names can be engraved on the picket or a plaque on a component. There are currently about 300 pickets still available for sale for $150 each as well as several components of the structure such as slides, towers, or the rock wall..
The old structure also sold pickets to community members. Members of the community can retrieve their old pickets from the Rotary Club.
Rotary Club member Craig Fonger says this is a great opportunity for the community to take pride in being a part of a project that will make an impact on the future.
“This will be part of our community for at least another 30 years, if not more. It’s a great opportunity for people to put their mark on this and have it be a legacy for them and their children and their children’s families,” Fonger says.
Rotary Club members can be contacted to volunteer for construction, donate, sponsor a part of the structure, or to claim their old pickets. You can also connect with the Lowell Rotary Club on Facebook or email [email protected].
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