After the Party: KaBOOM! Playground Build

After more than a year of work by Cherokee Street Development League (aka Anne McCullough), Gravois Park was awarded a new playground by KaBOOM! and corporate sponsor New Balance. With the help of the City of St. Louis (Eric Bothe), Alderwoman Cara Spencer, Cherokee Street Reach (Pacia Elaine and Eric 'Prospect' White), Benton Park West NA, we were able organize volunteers, food and other donations to make the playground a reality.

A special 'Thank You' to the following who donated food, gift certificates, cash, etc.

• Bluefield Process Safety

• Cherokee Street Development League

• Earthbound Brewery

• Fortune Teller Bar

• Propoganda/Handle Bar

• The Salvation Army Temple Corp

We were fortunate to have Mayor Lyda Krewson, Congresswoman Ann Wagner, Alderwoman Cara Spencer, KaBOOM CEO James Siegel, New Balance Foundation leadership present during the opening ceremony.

We also made the evening news! Check out KMOV Channel 4's coverage below:

At the opening ceremony Cardinal's Fred Bird, Blue's Louie, and New Balance's Newbie helped warm up the crowd.

Quick video of some of the opening words.

The playground started popping up fast.

Beside building the playground, other improvements were made to Gravois Park. We painted the center Pavilion more lively colors for starters.

Added a free little library (book share)

We also built new picnic tables

And mulched flower beds and trees

Kids painted murals to welcome visitors to the park.

Not to mention "Welcome to Gravois Park" signs at each corner.

A picnic lunch provided by The Salvation Army Temple Corps

We also played a few games too.

Yet we still managed to build the playground!

The City of St. Louis will install a new durable rubber base around the playground next week.

Thanks again to our many community volunteers and New Balance employees who helped build the playground and other improvements to Gravois Park. Our children and families thank you all and will enjoy it for years to come!