FERGUSON, Mo., September 23, 2016 – On Thursday, September 29, the City of Ferguson is asking for volunteers to help build a playground for youth at the Ferguson Community Center, located at 1050 Smith Avenue. Donations of more than $30,000 were received from Shield of Hope and Fraternal Order of Police Lodges 15, 68, and 111.
“We are appreciative of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodges and Shield of Hope by the generous donations from both organizations,” said De’Carlon Seewood, City Manager. “The playground will allow the youth in Ferguson to be a kid and enjoy playing with their friends in a new state of the art playground set,” added Seewood.
Victoria Schmitt Babb, Community Resource Manager for the Play 4All Campaign came up with the idea for a new playground; she’s calling it Healing Communities through Play. “In August, I approached the Fraternal Order of Police Lodges and Shield of Hope to see if they were interested in assisting our organization. They loved the idea and immediately began to contact their members and within a few weeks thousands of dollars were raised,” said Babb.”
“The gift of play provides children and families the opportunity to exercise, foster friendships and hone in on vital developmental skills. Play transcends boundaries and speaks to our universal humanity. Regardless of people’s origin, race, socioeconomic status or ability, play bridges presumed differences and fosters connections,” said Babb.
Jeff Roorda, spokesman for the Fraternal Order of Police and the Shield of Hope, the police organizations responsible for the erection of the playground, said, “Law enforcement officers from the Ferguson Police Department, St. Louis County, St. Louis City and other area police departments that responded to the unrest in Ferguson, want the community to see that we are invested in turning the page on a difficult chapter in history.
WHO: City of Ferguson, Shield of Hope, Fraternal Order of Police Lodges 15, 68, and 111, Play 4 All Campaign
WHAT: Seeking Volunteers to build new Playground WHERE: Ferguson Community Center, 1050 Smith Avenue WHEN: Thursday, September 29, 2016 from 10 AM – 2PM
