ROCHELLE — Now that the old Kids Ground structure at Cooper Park has been taken down and cleared out, Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District staff members are turning their focus on lining up volunteers to help construct the new playground this summer.

Several members of the community have stepped up to serve as project committee leaders and workers of all ages and talents are now being recruited to provide labor over a five-day period from June 20-25.

“We need 90 volunteers per shift and we will be running three shifts per day,” explained park director Jackee Ohlinger. “Play By Design will be overseeing the build and there’s something that practically everyone can help with, including carrying equipment, assembling features, shoveling, serving food, cutting with power tools and many more duties.”
Ohlinger said that Chris Haas from Hub Printing recently donated signs to remind the community more help is needed in building the new facility.
“The community build project with the original Kids Ground brought a great turnout and ownership from the residents, and we hope we will see the same involvement this time,” Ohlinger added. “If we had to pay for the labor of this project, it would cost at least $200,000. So not only is this a great project the community can rally around, but residents help save money by pitching in with their knowledge and skills.”
Anyone wanting to volunteer may call the park office at 815-562-7813, go online to www.rochelleparkdistrict/kids-ground or text @kidsground to 81010 to get registered.