The Port Angeles Dream Playground, located at Erickson Park in Port Angeles, will undergo its annual volunteer maintenance August 10, 11 and 12. The facility will be closed for play on those days due to the anticipated fresh wood sealant and paint.
Volunteers, community groups, service clubs, church groups, or anyone else wanting to help maintain one of the crown jewels of recreation in Port Angeles is encouraged to come. The Dream Playground is routinely maintained by the City of Port Angeles, but due to its size and detail, a major volunteer effort is needed every one to two years to keep it in proper condition and to prolong its lifespan.
The effort is spearheaded each year by the Dream Playground Foundation, a nonprofit organization created to perform fundraising, pay for major repairs, and encourage ongoing community support and involvement. Its goal is to eventually have the resources to rebuild the structure when it reaches the end of its lifespan.
The Dream Playground was built over five days in September 2002 by more than two thousand local volunteers, and is one of the largest volunteer projects Clallam County has ever seen. Starting in February 2002, the playground committee, in partnership with Kiwanis, raised over $185,000, nearly all from local businesses and individuals, to pay for the construction. Many local materials donations have been made as well.
Kiwanis Club of Port Angeles and Kiwanis Foundation of Port Angeles have been founding sponsors and major supporters of the playground effort. Other major sponsors are McCrorie Carpet One, Coldwell Banker Uptown Realty, First Federal Savings, Jace the Real Estate Company, Olympic Medical Center, Noon Rotary Club of Port Angeles, Seven Cedars Casino, and Soroptimist International of Port Angeles—Noon Club.
To volunteer, please contact Steve Methner at 360-457-6456 or 360-460-7356.
