Redmond, Ore. – Tomorrow at 4:00 pm, the Redmond Kiwanis Club, Friends of Sam Johnson Park, and the City of Redmond will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open Hope Playground in Sam Johnson Park celebrating three and a half years of grassroots collaboration, design, fund-raising and construction of the largest inclusive playground in the state of Oregon.
The project involved hundreds of volunteers and over $750,000 of donations, grants and in-kind labor.
“This has truly been a collaborative, grassroots effort by the community of Redmond that has resulted in a playground unlike any other playground,” explained Heather Richards, Community Development Director for the City of Redmond. “We have a dual zip line that will accommodate people of all abilities. Over 70 play events on the playground with the capacity to support 450 people at one time. A custom-made climbing wall that mirrors the Dry Canyon walls and Smith Rock. A replica of Monkeyface, and the list goes on and on.”
“Hope Playground symbolizes that anyone can make an impact in a community. What started as a presentation to City Council during citizen comments almost four years ago has resulted in a show-piece for our community,” enthused George Endicott, Mayor of Redmond.
“This is a much needed amenity in our community that will serve everyone who lives here and those who visit – people of all abilities and ages,” added Redmond Kiwanis Club member Gary Ollerenshaw.
Hope Playground was chosen as one of ten projects worldwide by the Kiwanis International Club to celebrate Kiwanis’ centennial in 2015.
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