A new playground facility for children in a Cutler Bay community soon will be built at Lakes by the Bay Park with the help of numerous sponsors and local volunteers. Beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 23, equipment that has been brought in will be assembled onsite to create a playground designed by Whigham Elementary School student Elizabeth Cuevas, whose drawing was selected from among those submitted in a competition at the school, which is adjacent to the park at 8551 SW 216 St.
Volunteers are invited to participate with the assembly of the new playground, but Parks and Recreation staffers point out that children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day.
Alan Ricke, Cutler Bay’s Parks and Recreation director, said he is pleased with the way the project has come together and he looks forward to the event and the completion of the new facility.
“I would like to thank the town council for providing the majority of the funding for the playground, our sponsors for helping with the Build Day, and the Parks and Recreation Committee for spearheading the Build Day,” Ricke said.
Sponsors of the project include KaBoom!, Let’s Play, FPL, State Farm/Elle Mills Insurance Agency, Intellaclaim Public Adjusters and the Knight Foundation.
KaBOOM! is a national non-profit dedicated to saving play for America’s children.
The stated mission is to create great playspaces through the participation and leadership of communities, with the ultimate goal of having a place to play within walking distance of every child in America.
Let’s Play is a community partnership led by the Dr Pepper/Snapple Group to get kids and families active nationwide.
If anyone wants to volunteer, he or she can call the Parks and Recreation Department at 305-238-4166.
