Lookout, Valparaiso, ValPLAYso is on the verge of a makeover!
The Valplayso Park Children’s Committee revealed its new sign for the Next Generation Playground on Thursday. The committee of up to 60 kids led by Monica Flanagin Decker and Kevin Kosek showed off the new sign. ValPLAYso - The Next Generation is a project of the Valpo Parks Foundation, a 501c3 entity. The 8 foot-long sign placed in front of the playground is to encourage the community to donate and volunteer.
“I’m the co-chair with Kevin Kosek for the Children’s Committee," Decker said. "These are the kids who were selected to represent their schools. Today we're here to take a picture with the group and everyone on the committee with banners that say thank you to our donors."
With ValPLAYso’s 20th anniversary quickly approaching, it is evident that it is in need for a renovation. Not only is the Valparaiso Parks Foundation rebuilding the playground, they have also promised to improve the overall state of Glenrose North Park. The project is funded through public and private partnerships and receives no tax-payer funding.
Decker continued, “I’m very excited for this whole project. These are amazing kids and at the next meeting we are coming up with ideas like lemonade stands and car washes. It’s awesome to see that they want to get involved and contribute to the community!”
After talking to many of the students who came to present ValPLAYso- The Next Generation, it was clear that the students were as excited as the adults. Elementary school students from all around Valparaiso have been attending committee meetings to express what they’d like to see in the park.
“I’m excited about ValPLAYso being redone. My favorite part of the playground is the volcano slide!” said Isabella Murphy, a second grader Memorial Elementary School.
Pledge forms and volunteer signup sheets will be available soon for the October 2014 community build playground and park. If you are interested in volunteering or donating, please visit www.valplayso.com for more information.