Posted 12:21 pm Thursday, January 17, 2013
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Volunteers kick off construction of Bullard Kids Park
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BULLARD — Construction is officially under way on a new custom-designed playground project.
About 100 volunteers came out Wednesday to work at the future Bullard Kids Park site, where they cut lumber and built framework, among other things. About 1,000 volunteers are expected during the five-day construction period, which ends Sunday with a dedication ceremony.
“It's been great, (and) the weather's held out,” public relations chairwoman Jill Smith said Wednesday as construction carried on around her. “We have grandparents here. We have moms. We have kids. They've all come out to volunteer their time to build the park.”
She said the entire community — parents, children, grandparents, businesses, churches and others — have come together for “the biggest community project that's ever happened in this area.” A majority of the $315,000 project has been paid for through community donations, and the city of Bullard donated the property, which sits just south of The Brook Hill School off Farm-to-Market Road 2493.
“It's just been fun to watch the different people all come together for one purpose, and that's to help the city and the park,” Ms. Smith said.
But she said calling the project a “park” doesn't do it justice because it's more of a destination attraction for people from all over the area.
About 100 volunteers came out Wednesday to work at the future Bullard Kids Park site, where they cut lumber and built framework, among other things. About 1,000 volunteers are expected during the five-day construction period, which ends Sunday with a dedication ceremony.
“It's been great, (and) the weather's held out,” public relations chairwoman Jill Smith said Wednesday as construction carried on around her. “We have grandparents here. We have moms. We have kids. They've all come out to volunteer their time to build the park.”
She said the entire community — parents, children, grandparents, businesses, churches and others — have come together for “the biggest community project that's ever happened in this area.” A majority of the $315,000 project has been paid for through community donations, and the city of Bullard donated the property, which sits just south of The Brook Hill School off Farm-to-Market Road 2493.
“It's just been fun to watch the different people all come together for one purpose, and that's to help the city and the park,” Ms. Smith said.
But she said calling the project a “park” doesn't do it justice because it's more of a destination attraction for people from all over the area.
Mark White volunteers to help build the park by using a saw to cut the “wood” made out of recycled plastic.
Nothing in the area is like it, she said, because it entails areas for different age groups, from toddlers to teens.
“There is something for everyone,” she said, adding there is a music area, custom-built slide and even Internet Wi-Fi for parents. The project, which was designed with help from local children, also includes a castle, rock wall, train, boat, rocket ship, dragon slide, swings, picnic tables, two covered pavilions and restrooms, according to a news release. It is also handicap accessible.
There are “not a lot of things to do for families in this area that are free. Families will come from all over, and this will be a destination place. Moms groups will have get-togethers. It's just a place people will come together to meet. We project people will come from all over to use the park…,” Ms. Smith said.
“It's not just a typical park. It's a different kind of adventure for kids.”
Project co-coordinator David Detten said the project already is progressing, and everyone who signed up to volunteer showed up Wednesday.
He said workers plan to put the fence up today and also will begin to lay bark mulch.
“There is something for everyone,” she said, adding there is a music area, custom-built slide and even Internet Wi-Fi for parents. The project, which was designed with help from local children, also includes a castle, rock wall, train, boat, rocket ship, dragon slide, swings, picnic tables, two covered pavilions and restrooms, according to a news release. It is also handicap accessible.
There are “not a lot of things to do for families in this area that are free. Families will come from all over, and this will be a destination place. Moms groups will have get-togethers. It's just a place people will come together to meet. We project people will come from all over to use the park…,” Ms. Smith said.
“It's not just a typical park. It's a different kind of adventure for kids.”
Project co-coordinator David Detten said the project already is progressing, and everyone who signed up to volunteer showed up Wednesday.
He said workers plan to put the fence up today and also will begin to lay bark mulch.
Volunteer Zack Briscoe, division manager for Allied Waste, said several employees with Allied Waste will rotate in and out on different shifts during the construction period.
“We're partners with the city. We do trash and recycling so I'm here volunteering to help out a great community…,” he said.
“It's a great project with the city of Bullard. It's a growing community — great group of people, great city leaders. It just shows you what people can do when they come together and all set their mind on one goal.”
Volunteer Maren Vercruysse, who teaches in Bullard, also worked Wednesday.
She said she can't wait for her 4-year-old daughter to see the project.
More volunteers age 13 and up are still needed and are welcome to stop by the site, Detten said.
Pickets for the fence that surrounds the park are also still available, and each picket will be engraved with a child's name. Hand tiles also are being sold, so children can have their handprint memorialized in the park.
Ms. Smith said they are a little short on the fundraising goal but hope to get the rest of the donations throughout the construction period.
For more information, visit bullardkidspark.wix.com/park#.
“We're partners with the city. We do trash and recycling so I'm here volunteering to help out a great community…,” he said.
“It's a great project with the city of Bullard. It's a growing community — great group of people, great city leaders. It just shows you what people can do when they come together and all set their mind on one goal.”
Volunteer Maren Vercruysse, who teaches in Bullard, also worked Wednesday.
She said she can't wait for her 4-year-old daughter to see the project.
More volunteers age 13 and up are still needed and are welcome to stop by the site, Detten said.
Pickets for the fence that surrounds the park are also still available, and each picket will be engraved with a child's name. Hand tiles also are being sold, so children can have their handprint memorialized in the park.
Ms. Smith said they are a little short on the fundraising goal but hope to get the rest of the donations throughout the construction period.
For more information, visit bullardkidspark.wix.com/park#.
