PAY IT FORWARD: Redmond community rallies to build playground for all

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Kiwanis Club of Redmond received a $500 donation this week to fund a new playground at a planned local recreation center. The award was presented by KTVZ News, Mid-Oregon Credit Union and Dutch Bros Coffee as part of the Pay It Forward community initiative.

The funding is designated for the Kiwanis Hub Park at the Hub, a project intended to serve families in the Redmond area for generations. Although the new recreation center itself is still in development, the Kiwanis Club is already working to secure the resources necessary to build an inclusive playground at the site.

The Kiwanis Club of Redmond has raised approximately $94,000 for the playground project so far. Members are still working toward a total fundraising goal of $250,000. Leaders of the organization emphasized that the playground is designed to provide a shared space for all residents regardless of their background.

Chris Richie, past president of the Kiwanis Club of Redmond, said the park will address a specific need for local children.

"The world is is a tumultuous place and playgrounds is a place where people of all socioeconomic backgrounds can come together and just play," Richie said. "I think that's something that's missing in a lot of kids lives. And it's something that I instill in my kids lives. And we want to make sure that that is expanded to the community here."

Michelle Duff, also a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Redmond, noted that the impact of the park will extend well into the future. She credited local business partnerships for helping the club reach its goals.

"This playground is not going to just help in the immediate future, thousands and thousands of kids and their families are going to be able to use it for years to come," Duff said. "And it's because of support from organizations and businesses like Mid Oregon Credit Union that we can make that happen."

Community members interested in supporting the playground mission or nominating a person or project for recognition can click here.