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Marine Corps Base Hawaii

"Supporting Readiness and Global Projection"

Single service members join community to build playground

By Lance Cpl. Matthew Bragg | Marine Corps Base Hawaii | May 31, 2013

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KAILUA, Hawaii — Volunteers from Marine Corps Base Hawaii and the community plant the “Welcome to your play space” sign in cement as other volunteers work on assembling the playground at the YMCA Windward Branch in Kailua, May 25. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Lance Cpl. Matthew Bragg)

KAILUA, Hawaii — Volunteers from Marine Corps Base Hawaii and the community plant the “Welcome to your play space” sign in cement as other volunteers work on assembling the playground at the YMCA Windward Branch in Kailua, May 25. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Lance Cpl. Matthew Bragg) (Photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Bragg)


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KAILUA, Hawaii — Marine, sailor and civilian volunteers help plant a huge component of the playground built at the YMCA Windward Branch, May 25. The playground was inspired by a group of children in the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Lance Cpl. Matthew Bragg)

KAILUA, Hawaii — Marine, sailor and civilian volunteers help plant a huge component of the playground built at the YMCA Windward Branch, May 25. The playground was inspired by a group of children in the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Lance Cpl. Matthew Bragg) (Photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Bragg)


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KAILUA, Hawaii --

Marines and sailors from the Single Marine and Sailor Program spent their morning working to help construct a playground for kids at the YMCA Windward Branch, May 25. A total of 237 volunteers were present at the project build.

SMSP joined YMCA volunteers to help KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit organization whose goal is to give every child in America a place to play, build its third playground for children on Oahu. Aulani Disney Resort & Spa played a big part by reaching out to KaBOOM! to build another playground on the island. The resort sponsored the project and had 40 volunteers on-site to help construct the new play area.

“It’s about being able to give back to the community beyond just (the) resort,” said Nikki Moreno, the public affairs manager for Aulani Disney.

More than 30 Marines and sailors participated in the construction of the playground, mixing cement and providing muscle to move parts into place. They helped build benches made from blocks of wood, and placed them along the perimeter of the playground for parents to sit and watch their kids play.

“The YMCA Windward Branch contacted us for assistance on the project, and we have never done something like this before,” said Karley Peterson, the SMSP coordinator. “We jumped on the opportunity to help construct a playground and enable the children to have something they can enjoy.”

In addition to the playground, Marines and sailors assembled a garden to give kids the opportunity to grow their own plants. They also hung tiles with drawings made by children along the fences to display their creativity. Mike Doss, the executive vice president of the YMCA of Honolulu said the playground’s layout and design were inspired by children of YMCA members.

“We gathered a group of children from the community and asked them what their dream playground would be,” Doss said. “We’ve taken their suggestions and ideas, and today we are giving them a playground they designed.”

The Windward Branch playground was built at an estimated cost of $80,000. Volunteers hustled and finished construction of the entire play area in just four and a half hours.

“This is one of 12 playgrounds being built by KaBOOM! nationally this year,” said Kristin Karcsh, a project manager with KaBOOM! “Our motto is ‘It starts with a playground,’ but I think it really starts with the community coming together to provide children a place to be active.”

The playground was the first time Marines and sailors had a chance to join the community in creating something special for kids. They had the strength and passion to take on the build’s hardest jobs. Wiping the sweat from their brows, the service members smiled as they saw the pieces coming together.

“The Marines and sailors love being able to do volunteer events that involve helping out the kids,” Peterson said. “To be able to build a playground for children, it certainly gives the Marines and sailors a good feeling.”

A Marine who volunteered at the build commented, “I’ve done volunteer work before, but never anything that required building something,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher Mayabb, a navigation aids technician with Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. “There were twice as many Marines and sailors who showed up than were expected, so it made assembling the playground easier.”

After completing the playground, Aulani Disney held a ribbon-cutting ceremony the same day to celebrate the new playground. Key personnel from all of the organizations attended the event to show their appreciation.

“It’s amazing to see a community come together like this,” Karcsh said. “Kids need to be active at home and school, but they need to be active outside as well.”

Children can now enjoy a newly built playground they designed, just in time for summer. The Windward Branch also has a pool for parents and children to cool off in after running around on the playground.

“This community is going to grow so much more,” Karsch said. “It all starts with this playground.”

ImageAulani Disney ImageKaBOOM ImageKaBOOM! ImageKailua Imagemarine corps ImageMarines ImageNavy Imageplayground ImageSailors ImageSingle Marine and Sailor Program ImageYMCA

1 Comments


  • Raiana 1 years 139 days ago
    Thumbs up!!)

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