Concrete crews pour the walkways and foundations leading to the new playground, including a pavilion area. (Photo courtesy of Inara Canino)

A June 3 ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official capper that brought a new playground to Marengo’s Indian Oaks Park, where the old one had been dismantled because of decay and safety reasons. Volunteer work crews, comprised of residents, municipal officials and personnel, were coupled with donations from businesses and individuals flocking to the project in what has been termed “community effort” in the best sense of the term.

More than 50 people had come out May 13 to the barren site. Construction crews poured new cement for foundations and walkways, as well as a pavilion area. Volunteers took over, spreading mounds of mulch to cover the playground surface, as the equipment was assembled and went up with a center tower slide, swing

Members of the Marengo fire and rescue units volunteered their time in building the playground. (Photo courtesy of Inara Canino)

set, and rocking animals.

“This is what partnerships and an outpouring from the community looks like,” said Marengo Park District Superintendent Director Joe Vallez. “There was so much positive feedback and the community wanting to do something good that this is beyond words to describe the effort. By donating their time, it helped defray almost 80 percent of the cost involved. The community came together in a wonderful and big way.”

When Vallez came on board two years ago, the district was operating in the red. Despite the park district’s status as an individual entity on property tax bills, financial issues had plagued the agency for a number of years. In Sept. 2016, he appeared before the

Work crews put the tower slide into place. (Photo courtesy of Inara Canino)

Marengo City Council

to outline the necessity of obtaining approximately $35,000 to replace the dismantled Indian Oaks playground. The 20-year-old equipment was identified as unsafe.

It was also part of an infrastructure assessment and removal program that included closures of the swimming pool, and the dismantling of a dilapidated skate park. Vallez requested assistance from the council, indicating he would be moving ahead with attempts to raise monies that would go toward capital improvements.

Volunteers look on, while the Indian Oaks playground begins to take shape. (Photo courtesy of Inara Canino)

During his tenure, the district has released half of its staff members, while reducing its yearly budget by nearly $100,000. Local commercial outlets offered donations, and several charity events were scheduled for August 2016 with proceeds earmarked for the funding gap. The fundraisers ended up generating the $35,000 needed for the playground’s rebirth.

“I tried to network and talk with as many people as possible,” Vallez said. “Ultimately, it’s not about me, and I have to give credit where credit is due … that is to the community, and our city. Residents, council members, fire and rescue personnel, police department members … they all pitched in, and gave of their time. I feel very blessed to be part of this community.”

Even kids that will eventually play on the new equipment pitched in and helped. (Photo courtesy of Inara Canino)

The Marengo-Union Chamber of Commerce also contributed to the group enterprise, and intends to use photographs as the front cover of its 2017 Community Guide.

“The chamber takes great pride in the successes of our members,” said Colleen Helfers, the Chamber’s executive director. “The guide will feature the playground build on its cover, this new playground is a benefit for the community and our children. We’re excited to highlight all of the support that the community dedicated to this project.”

Vallez also indicated that a summer camp may be in the offing next year, as part of new program offerings, a prospect not available for the last three years.

“Good things happen where there are good people,” he said. “Marengo has a base, people that think of others first … it’s something that brings positive change, and positive outlook for the future.”

–Ribbon-Cutting Opens Marengo Volunteer Playground–