Redmond’s Hope Playground ribbon-cutting Thursday
On Thursday at 4 p.m., 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 3 1/2 years of grassroots collaboration, design, fund-raising and construction of Oregon’s largest inclusive playground .
Inclusive playgrounds are designed to encourage interactive play for people of all abilities. Everyone is invited to attend the ribbon-cutting and enjoy the inauguration of the new playground.
What started as a dream of a group of Redmond Moms has turned into a reality with the help of 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. “Sam Johnson was a charter member of the Redmond Kiwanis Club, and when he donated the land for the park to the City, the Redmond Kiwanis Club adopted the park and partnered with the City to make it what it is today. The pavilion and playground were both built and installed by the Redmond Kiwanis Club. As part of our 75 th anniversary it was only fitting that we partner on this effort to build a premier playground at Sam Johnson Park that serves children of all abilities.”
Hope Playground was chosen as one of 10 projects worldwide by the Kiwanis International Club to celebrate Kiwanis’ centennial in 2015.
