JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Thanks to volunteers, visions of a dream playground are days away from becoming a reality.
Soldiers from 555th Engineer Brigade were among hundreds donating their time and efforts to build a "Playground by the Sound" in University Place. The community project was the brainchild of former U.P. Mayor Linda Bird but quickly evolved into a communitywide project firing the imaginations of school-aged children.
Bird saw a need for a playground in the southwest quadrant of the city. An empty piece of land on Chambers Creek Properties provided ample space and breathtaking views of the Puget Sound, making it an ideal site. Bird said there was already a playground on the property's master plan when the trail system was built around the property's golf course, but due to its being owned by a sewer utility, the city could not spend funds on amenities unrelated to the sewer -- leaving Bird with few options.
"I knew it all had to come from outside sources," Bird said of the funds needed for the playground.
She put together a playground steering committee and spent the last two and a half years raising money. Some of the funds poured in from generous donations, others came from grants and money raised from selling pickets with names inscribed on them.
In the end, all of the money needed to build the playground was raised, and Bird found herself turning to the community yet again for help with the actual construction. One of the first groups she reached out to was 555th Engineer Brigade, which immediately responded.
"They are a part of the community, and we know from past experiences they do a good job -- professionally done, and I think people just enjoy having them there," Bird said.
Soldiers from 557th Engineer Company, 864th Engineer Battalion, were at the site the week prior to the Sept. 20 to Sept. 25 construction dates. Sergeant Jason Pluedeman, project NCOIC, led a team of Soldiers drilling more than 200 post holes several feet deep measuring 12 and 16 inches in diameter. The holes will support the perimeter fence and structural poles for the playground.
Pluedeman said the drilling and carefully planned placement of holes set up volunteers for success during "build week" so they could immediately begin building upon arrival Sept. 20.
The playground was Pluedeman's first undertaking outside of Joint Base Lewis-McChord since returning from Afghanistan six months ago. He said the Soldiers enjoy doing their jobs regardless, but even moreso when they are out in the community doing it.
"They're so excited to be out here right now," Pluedeman said. "The local community supports us so much all the time, and now it's nice to just give back to them when they're looking for help."
Specialist Brett Babb said he was proud to be part of a project that will impact thousands of local children. In doing so, he hoped the community would realize that Soldiers do more than carry weapons and deploy overseas.
"As Soldiers we defend our country, but we also serve our country," said Babb, a horizontal construction engineer. "Whether it's sending care packages or just saying 'thank you' at the store, the community supports us and it's a good sense of accomplishment to give back by helping with something that will be enjoyed by future generations."
Soldier involvement in community projects sets a good example for children to follow, Bird said. She and the rest of the steering committee were impressed with the company's professionalism and hoped the Soldiers enjoyed their experiences as much as the community has enjoyed having them.
"All of my steering community that have been rubbing shoulders with them just say, 'Wow. What a great group of guys,'" Bird said. "They've done an excellent job, and they've been a delight to have there."
Laura M. Levering: laura.may.levering@us.army.mil
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