Community in Bovey comes together to build a playground, which is part of 3-phase project

Despite the ultra heat this week, folks in Bovey spent over 500 hours in the sun putting together a new playground.

It’s part of a $1.7 million dollar, three phase park project for this community.

This playground is funded by grants. Sarah Carling, regional director of CEDA, explained, “We tried to do a creative and innovative playground to help the kids have a different experience. It’s more like America Ninja Warrior instead of just ladders and swing.”

There is still one more piece of equipment that needs to be installed. But kids can enjoy the playground n ow.

“In two days, we had 81 volunteers put in 512 hours. It’s a significant outpouring. Plus we leveraged a work crew from Thistledew, and were amazing to work with,” Carling added.

Kevin Odden, supervisor for Bovey, said that this really got started when a little girl asked for a new tire swing at the old park.

But it’s been a dream for years. “When I was involved with Little League, we’d look at this area and think, wouldn’t it be nice if this was a playground. And it finally is,” Odden said.

Kids can enjoy the playground now. There is still one more piece of equipment that will be installed.

Picnic tables were made by Greenway students. And there is a new pavilion.

Phase two will include a hockey rink, dog park, and better parking. There is also a phase 3 planned, that will mean basketball courts.

There are more community builds coming up: Effie: June 29-30th Goodland Township: July 10-11th, Deer River July 17-19th.