Wildcat Park

Another second generation success showing the true impact of community building!

Corvallis, OR – (December 28, 2007) THE STORY: At the end of May, hundreds of volunteers stepped up to build a new playground at Wilson School.

Named Wildcat Park, the playground has been a hot spot for youngsters since 1989 when a similar community effort resulted in a large wooden play structure in the school yard. Willamette Valley rains quickly degraded the treated lumber used in the playground structures. When the district announced plans to tear down the playground in 2006 the community rallied. A citizen’s committee formed and raised more than $200,000 and the school district chipped in $100,000 for the playground. After just one week of work, with the help of 300 to 500 volunteers a day, the playground was finished. Constructed of metal and plastic, it is expected to last longer than the old playground structure. A miniature clock tower made to look like the Benton County courthouse adds a unique local touch to the playground, and the site is popular with Wilson School students as well as children from around Corvallis. THE UPDATE: “It appears to be a well-used park,” said Mark Hoffman, chairman of the Wildcat Park volunteer committee and close neighbor. Volunteers continue to work on projects to enhance the park. A fence was put up around the playground earlier this month and plans are being made for landscaping..

read the original story at http://www.gazettetimes.com/articles/2007/12/28/news/top_story/3aaa01_schools.txt

Contact: Marc Leathers, President
Telephone: 877-JOINING (564-6464)
marc@leathersassociates.com