A playground to be proud of

A few weeks ago we were happy to open the Variety Star Playground in Noelridge Park. This playground provides an opportunity for kids who have disabilities to play alongside their siblings and friends.  Playgrounds are essential in children’s development. They teach kids self-control, independence and social skills. We are happy that this gift from Variety – the Children’s Charity expands the play opportunities for kids in Cedar Rapids.

We encourage you to visit the playground and see all of the unique features from the rubberized safety surface, to a drum circle and swings with harnesses. There are pieces of equipment we don’t have in other parks like a gliding rock-n-raft that seats six, a merry-go-round with a stationary center spin wheel that children work together to turn, and large flat swings with rubber bumpers. The Variety Star Playground also has a swing designed to promote intergenerational play where an adult and child can swing together face to face.

We hope that you will show your appreciation of this donation from many Cedar Rapids businesses and individuals by taking care of the equipment so it will be around for kids to enjoy for a long time. We also hope that you let the following businesses know that you appreciate their contribution to the parks system.

Variety – the Children’s Charity
Hall-Perrine Foundation
Transamerica Foundation
Wellmark Foundation
Diamond V
Cargill
CRST International
ITC