Get' R Done

OSBURN — Volunteers for the Lions Park Playground Community Build worked through scorching temperatures, flash lightning storms, and heavy wind but didn’t allow that to slow them down.

The Lions Park Playground Committee (LPPC) leader Jenna Grant-Arthun, has been working tirelessly to ensure this park has come to fruition. And this is only the beginning.

Talks of the Lions Park Project began last April, with Grant-Arthun working with the Executive Director of Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation, Paige Olsen, and Osburn City Councilwoman Marcy Hayman, thus forming the LPPC.

The trio held a party in Lion’s Park in May, creating buzz and excitement over the new park, and sparking volunteer interest. After that, things were moving steadily until a package arrived early.

The new playground equipment arrived in July, despite being scheduled to arrive in October, causing the project to move forward faster than planned. This only caused a slight hiccup, motivating Grant-Arthun to raffle off the older play structure – which was won by a local family.

“The most difficult part of the build was the prep work. Making sure everything was measured off correctly, digging the holes. After that, it went pretty smoothly,” said Grant-Arthun.

Among the many volunteers were Osburn Mayor Kip McGillivray, who used his experience with his contracting business McGillivray Environmental to help prep the site.

“We had a ton of people show up to volunteer,” explained Grant-Arthun, “Friday we had so many volunteers, it was honestly hard to delegate, and give everyone a job. I was worried about not having enough volunteers, so that was incredible.”

The park has received funding through grants; however, grants often come with specifics on what they can be used for. For example, the park will also feature a Fitness Court, which has received funding through grants that can only be put towards that specific feature.

This is why LPPC continues to fundraise for the park, as the more money that goes into it, the better it can be for the community.

Many Silver Valley community members donated items from their businesses to be raffled off, and the money was put towards the park. LPPC had over 20 baskets to raffle off and sold specialized Lion’s Park merchandise.

The park is currently planning to have the woodchips spread out by the end of the day, with the weather, time, and workers permitting. After the park has been opened to the public, Grant-Arthun plans a grand opening in the following weeks.

The Fitness Court is being delivered Sept. 6, so all the prep work is being completed on the site now, but winter is coming, which might slow down the process of finalizing the court.

“When the Fitness Court comes in, there is an adhesive that needs to be put down and cure for 28 days. But we are starting to hit winter. The Fitness Court is one of our top priorities, as long as weather permits.”

The new playground equipment was provided by the company PlayCreation. This company has worked with communities from the beginning, laying out efficient designs that strictly follow accessibility and safety guidelines to create a beautiful playground.

The long-term plan of LPPC includes a bathroom, ADA-compliant paths, and more, but it’s important to remember that this takes time, staffing, money, and permitting weather.

For updates on Lion’s Park, and ways to support this project visit the facebook group Lion’s Park Project.