Ka-BOOM! It’s new park equipment!

DPW Supervisor Brent Jones gets ready to install the turtle on the hill overlooking River Raisin Park.

As part of a grant program designed to provide “free play” opportunities for all ages, Manchester is fortunate to have new equipment in and near village park locations and the shared use trail.

A large and very friendly-looking turtle keeps watch over the new River Raisin Park and a good portion of downtown Manchester, while musical instruments can provide a symphony of song at the Manchester District Library. Colorful and comfortable new benches in Wurster Park can provide seating for gazebo concerts or just a resting place for those out walking … perhaps to the Leonard Preserve or the adjacent trail. A stopwatch along the asphalt section of the trail at Chi-Bro Park can give kids (and adults too) a speed check. And more additions are coming soon–including sidewalk games, benches and other play equipment at multiple sites, and binoculars for viewing the River Raisin.

The KaBOOM! Grant, funded in part by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, will provide $41,000 to purchase the equipment. KaBOOM! is a national non-profit, dedicated to giving all kids the childhood they deserve through good, safe places to play. This endowment will be matched by cash and in-kind contributions of about $37,000 from the community, according to Village Manager Jeff Wallace.

Although installation and finalizing the locations was delayed, in part by the COVID-19 crisis, Wallace said the foundation was very helpful in allowing extensions on the grant funding and providing the final paperwork. While there had been plans to involve civic groups, the schools, Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation, 5 Healthy Towns, and the community at large in the implementation, the project is proceeding well and should be completed by July 1.

The intent of the KaBOOM! Play Everywhere grant is to “inspire kids to play every day and incorporate play into their normal routines by bringing play to unexpected but everyday spaces.” Pairing the grant application with the newly constructed walking path, helped give Manchester an edge in the process, and provides a bonus for those who frequent the trail. It will help bring people to the community while focusing on keeping residents active and healthy year around. 

The turtle will keep an eye on the town, and kids can enjoy climbing and helping him survey the area with the help of soon-to-be installed binoculars.

The stopwatch at the corner of the parking lot at Chi-Bro can help runners and walkers keep track of their time on the trail.

Three benches have been installed at various locations in Wurster Park.

Whimsical musical instruments at the library

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.