A Playground Facelift In Memory Of Alisha
This week during the North Park Fair, Jackson County 4-H is excited for everyone to come see the new playground equipment recently installed in the Alisha Adkins Memorial 4-H Park. The playground is located directly adjacent to the Jerelin Wattenberg Center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. To secure the new playground equipment, Jackson County partnered with 4-H to request and be awarded a substantial Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant for $18,000 that was matched with nearly $8,000 in cash and in-kind contributions that Jackson County 4-H was grateful to receive from many generous local citizens. The project was initiated last year during the Fair where a “Pick Your Playground” table top display was set up showing several playground design options and folks were invited to cast votes for their favorite. From the 238 votes cast, the top two choices were blended to select the new playground design.
The old wooden playground structure that was recently replaced was originally built in the mid 1990’s with memorial funds donated by community members after the sudden loss of one of our 4-H members, Alisha Adkins. Through the years, the 4-H Horse members have worked hard to keep the playground freshly painted and the grounds spruced up. Despite their efforts, in our harsh weather, the old playground that was greatly loved and played on for more than 20 years began to deteriorate to the point that it was necessary to replace it. While it was definitely tough to see their old playground come down, 4-H members are thrilled to replace it with a fun, colorful new structure that will be enjoyed by Jackson County families for many years to come!
So while you are up enjoying the North Park Fair, be sure and take a few moments to go hang out by the new playground and enjoy watching all the children who will surely be laughing and climbing and sliding and generally having a blast pretending and playing till the sun goes down each day.
**EDITORS NOTE**
Alisha was a dear friend to our family and it is with much joy and gratitude that we see her memory live on in the new park the Jackson County 4H has been so instrumental in preserving and upgrading. Please watch for a follow up story on the North Park Fair that is happening THIS weekend! A full schedule of events will be listed, as well as information about Colorado's greatest county fair! For more information on the Alisha Adkins Memorial Park, the Jackson County 4H or the North Park Fair, please follow the Jackson County Extension Facebook page or their website.
