Del Norte adds new playground to Athletic Fields

Courtesy photos Volunteers gathered at the Del Norte Athletic Fields this past week to build a new playground thanks to grant funding from KABOOM! The new playground is expected to be ready for children by Wednesday, Aug. 31.

DEL NORTE — A group of volunteers came out, rain or shine, the past week in Del Norte and through their combined efforts and hard work, completed the construction of a new playground in the Del Norte Athletic Fields.

Though adverse weather throughout the last part of the week made for some excellent mud and not-so-perfect working conditions, it did not slow the progress of the volunteers that had set out to finish the project by the weekend’s end.

According to a statement from project volunteer Karie Lichtenfeld, there were so many people to thank, and the entire project showed how much Del Norte wants to see the Athletic Fields thrive in the community.

Lichtenfeld wrote, “We have a new playground Del Norte! It will be ready to play on officially Wednesday, the concrete needs to set before we play. When the fence comes down it’s ready!

“What a team we had! Rio Grande County and Gene Glover for being a part of making this happen. Gene was there mixing concrete, moving dirt and wood chips along with his sweet wife Sue. Seeing the County Land come to life is so awesome!

“The Town of Del Norte and the group was amazing! They worked so hard getting the space ready to put our playground on. They supplied tools and machinery as well. We had Del Norte works, Town Staff and Town board members shoveling, building and so much more. This was a big group it would not have been done in time without them.

“A huge thanks goes out to the High Valley Community Center for bringing the food. It was amazing every day!! They gave us fuel to get through our day. They also volunteered to help do all the tasks to complete this playground. What a great group of people! Adrienne Atencio and Adam thank you!!

“Del Norte Bank was a fun group! They showed up and spent hours moving mulch and helping with anything and everything needed. Stacy was serious about her Mulch distribution, and it shows! Del Norte Rotary were hard working people willing to help! They also brought coolers to keep our beverages cold. What a great group!

“Del Norte Headstart ladies and gentlemen worked hard putting together playground equipment and moving mulch what a fun group! D Mountain Park and Recreation, Patti and I really enjoyed being a part of this project!

“Del Norte Police Department, thank you for helping out! Colorado Health foundation sent people here from Denver both Wednesday and Thursday. It was great meeting new people, and they were so helpful! Civic Canopy Alice and Kale. Hard working ladies! We appreciated their help so much!

“Our Project Manager Bicky was amazing she showed up at 7 every morning and left last. She was energetic kept our spirits up! Community volunteers were the highlight of my week. Seeing these people come together for our community and work so hard!! I am grateful to be a part of this group of special people. They brought concrete machines, tools and their awesome personalities!!

“A special shout out to Mr. Lloyd Wright, this man is one of the hardest working people I have ever met! Thank you to everyone who made this project fun!”