Playground assembly begins

July 19, 2005 —

An idea that began with the Kellogg Company's 75th anniversary celebration last winter will soon become a reality in Kochville Township with the completion of Michigan's largest boundless playground, a barrier-free playground that will make it possible for children of all abilities to play together.

The building of the handicap-accessible playground began with a ground breaking in May near Wal-Mart on Fashion Square Boulevard. It is growing closer to completion every day.

"It is about 95 percent done at this point" says Kochville Township Supervisor Kenneth P. Bayne. The completion date is set at Sunday, Aug. 14, at which point a dedication ceremony will take place.

The building of the playground has been done by volunteers throughout the community, according to Bayne.

Even with all of the volunteer help, however, the playground has proven to be a very expensive improvement to the area.

"It ended up costing about $500,000," Bayne says. "The Kellogg Company gave us $75,000 of that."

The company gave out 20 grants throughout the country to assist in creating boundless playgrounds. Kochville Township was one group among the more than fifty that applied to be given the $75,000 grant.

The remainder of the money was accumulated throughout the year with fundraisers and generous donations from local businesses.