KLA, K21 Bring New Playground Equipment To Baker Youth Club
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Children who attend Baker Youth Club programs now have the opportunity to play on two new pieces of playground equipment at the club.
Kosciusko Leadership Academy graduates Chris Wiggins, Kristopher Williams and Michael Hafner came up with the idea of installing the equipment. They wanted to encourage youth at the club to be active outdoors.Two pieces of playground equipment were purchased using a $15,000 grant from K21 Foundation. A Hawk's Nest and Ultimate Conquest equipment were purchased.
The equipment was installed June 7 at the northeast corner outside BYC on West Market Street. The graduates and Tim Ellis, Reese Recreation Products Inc. employee, installed the equipment. They used community contacts, with G&G Hauling completing site preparation work.
The graduates researched a project titled "Outdoor Fun At Baker Youth Club" while they were in KLA.
KLA was formed in 1982 by Jean Northenor. The graduates received the Northenor Award at the KLA Awards banquet May 1 at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club in Leesburg for their project.
One of the requirements of KLA is to research a project to improve the community, and seek grants to make the project a reality.
KLA graduates write white papers where they research topics for improving the community.
KLA's mission is to develop informed and innovative leaders who will serve the community.
Wiggins, Williams and Hafner conducted research and determined there was a need for outdoor playground equipment at BYC.
They began research in January, looking at playground equipment magazines and Web sites.
They selected a Ultimate Conquest that allows children to climb using a military-style wall to access the 6-foot high platform. A fireman's pole provides a quick exit so children can begin their climbing journey again.
The Hawk's Nest has netting children can climb.
The equipment was purchased from Reese Recreation Products Inc., Arlington Heights, Ill.
"We wanted to make sure the playground equipment was something that encourages children to be active," Wiggins said.
Hafner said he hopes the youth will enjoy the equipment.
"We hope the equipment will add another aspect to the club for children to play outside," Hafner said.
Williams said he hopes the equipment will be a great addition to the club.
"I hope the equipment will help the club utilize its space," Williams said.
BYC has a game room and gymnasium, but the two pieces of equipment will be the first outdoor equipment, according to Tracy Furnivall, BYC executive director.
Furnivall said the equipment has been used a great deal by BYC youth since its summer program began June 16.
"The equipment allows the kids to be active outside and enjoy the outdoors, and is a great addition to the club," Furnivall said.
Rich Haddad, K21 Foundation president, said the organization provided a grant for the project for a couple of reasons.
He said children's health and fitness is an important aspect in meeting K21's mission. He said, "We believe Baker Youth Club runs its programs for the kids that participate with that it mind."
He said the other reason the grant was approved was that the equipment encourages physical activity.
"We were very pleased with the proactive project KLA produced, and proud to be a partner in this project," Haddad said.
Bob Lichtenwalter, BYC employee, said he hopes the equipment will provide youth who use it with new experiences.
"Getting the equipment is exciting because it provides a new experience for the kids and allows them to have fresh air and exercise," Lichtenwalter said.
