ROCHELLE – The Cooper Park Kids Ground community rebuild project will begin next week and things are starting to come together at crunch time.

The park district has received numerous donations and many volunteers signing up, but the staff is still in need of more equipment and workers for the build dates.
The build will take place June 20-25 from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. each day. Work will be split into three different shifts with two 30-minute breaks for lunch and dinner. The shift times are 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 12:30-4:30 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m. Volunteers have the choice of signing up for one, two or all three of the shifts.
Play by Design officials, the company contracted from New York that helped design the new Kids Ground, suggests approximately 90 people per shift will be needed to stay on schedule.

“Right now, we have about 40 people per shift signed up, but I know a lot of people have said that they are just going to stop in and come over,” said Jackee Ohlinger, park district executive director.
People volunteering to work the build will be doing a variety of tasks such as cutting composite material, hauling wheel barrels of dirt, shoveling, manning the volunteer station or helping with the food service. Anyone 14 years of age or older is qualified to volunteer, and if someone would like to help out but is not signed up they will still be put to work.
“There is a job for everyone and we will never turn away a helping hand,” said Ohlinger.
The idea of having a community build is not a new one, the original Kids Ground was built by volunteers in the early 1990s. Ohlinger was not involved when that build was done, so she is very excited for this new experience.
“It will be a first for me and we are really looking forward to being able to continue the tradition,” said Ohlinger.
Anyone wanting to volunteer can sign up one of three ways: Text @KIDSGROUND to 81010, visit www.rochelleparkdistrict.org/kids-ground or call 815-562-7813.