Hundreds of volunteers needed to build Zahra's playground

Break out the work clothes, the dates are set to build the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground at Kiwanis Park.

A host of volunteers will join with the Kiwanis Clubs of Catawba County, the City of Hickory and several sponsors April 12-14 to make the highly anticipated playground a reality.

The playground will have a 50-foot slide, a play web of interactive features, a sand area, swings and more. The Thursday, Friday and Saturday effort will require hundreds of volunteers.

Thursday is for unloading and staging set-ups. The playground equipment will be installed Friday and Saturday in two shifts each day – 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 to 5.

Volunteers will be limited to one shift per person. A waiting list will be kept in the event that volunteers can take additional shifts.

The Hickory Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registration from now until March 23. Call 828-261-2248. Volunteers must be 18 or older to participate in the construction.

People 14 to 17 will not be allowed on the construction site, but can work in other areas. All volunteers must sign a waiver.

Businesses, organizations and the community have partnered with Hickory and Kiwanis to support the playground. A separate group of sponsors contributing to the community building project include Playworld Systems, Let’s Play, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, KaBOOM!, Coca-Cola, Chick-fil-A, Galaxy Food Centers and McDonalds.

“The Zahra Baker playground project in Hickory is an incredible example of what can happen when a community unites together to achieve a common goal,” said Darell Hammond, KaBOOM! founder and CEO. “KaBOOM! recognized Hickory as a Playful City USA community in 2011 because of the city’s dedication to increasing play opportunities for children, and we’re extremely pleased that KaBOOM! and Dr Pepper Snapple Group could provide a Let’s Play Construction Grant to help bring play to children in Hickory.”

Mack McLeod, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, said, “Being able to have the community and businesses involved in the building of this playground in memory of Zahra Baker is wonderful. We are excited to work with many individuals over the three-day build to develop a very interactive park for children of all ages.

“Playworld Systems and KaBOOM! have been great to work with, offering years of experience in building playgrounds and providing interactive options for children. Many people and organizations have been involved in making this happen and to see it come to life is exciting for everyone.”

“This has been a true grassroots community campaign,” said Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright. “We appreciate the Kiwanis clubs of Catawba County for spearheading the campaign and thanks to all the individuals, businesses, organizations, and foundations that donated to the playground. We are truly excited that the playground will be built with volunteers, and I feel confident that it will be an experience of a lifetime.

“What a great way to honor a little girl that touched so many hearts not only in our community, but across the globe.”

Zahra Baker is the Australian girl who came to live in the area with her father and stepmother. She was a two-time cancer survivor. Zahra’s step mother is in prison for her murder. Her death touched many people. The playground is in her memory and will serve all children regardless of their physical abilities. The April build dates are for the first phase of the playground.

Individual supporters, businesses, foundations and grant funds have collectively donated more than $200,000 for the playground. The Kiwanis clubs of Catawba County spearheaded the fundraising campaign that began Feb. 14, 2011. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Nov. 16, the day that would have been Zahra’s 12th birthday.

“The tremendous support for the playground for Zahra has been heartwarming and the Kiwanis clubs of Catawba County are honored to be a part of such a worthwhile project that will enhance the lives of all children for many, many decades,” said Steve Aaron, project’s committee chairman and a member of the Western Catawba County Kiwanis Club.

For more, go to www.playgroundforzahra.org.

Sponsor sites:

www.drpeppersnapple.com.
www.LetsPlay.com.
www.kaboom.org.