Community comes together to build playground, celebrates grand opening
EMMETT TWP. — The long-awaited playground in Emmett Township has become reality after an army of volunteers spent three days constructing a new play structure, thanks to the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, Community Foundation of St Clair County and KABOOM, the company helping with the installation.
“We started working on this when some Emmett students came to a Parks and Recreation meeting and shared what they would like to see for new playground equipment,” said the committee’s chair, Scott Mueller. “They got the ball rolling for us and we took it from there. A lot of people and organizations are responsible for this. It’s great for the township. It’s been a while coming and we’re happy to see it completed.”
The three groups came together to construct a new community and kid-designed playspace that is sure to spark joy and a sense of belonging for kids in the community, Mueller said.
“It’s great to see folks giving their time, whether it was for a day, or all three days. Everyone came together, worked hard and did a great job with building a wonderful new playground for the kids in the community and the public in general.”
Mueller said the new facility meets all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, clearing the way for special needs visitors to enjoy the park as well.
The build got underway on Thursday of last week, and moved along quickly. The old adage of many hands make for light work was never so true as last week at Emmett Township Park. A large semitruck, carrying 110 tons of specialized mulch from Zeeland in Ottawa County, dropped the second load Thursday morning. Workers were digging holes, setting main supports for the equipment in concrete while others sorted through the maze of boxes and crates, sorting out the new equipment.
After the build project was completed Saturday, several people spoke to the crowd gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony including Mueller and Jackie Hanton, vice president of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.
According to officials with the Community Foundation, today’s children face increasing pressures — from limited access to playspaces and nature to rising mental health challenges and screen time — making play more critical than ever.
The new playspace represents progress made possible through collaboration between Emmett Township, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, the community foundation and KABOOM, and reflects a shared commitment to protecting childhood and strengthening community well-being.
The new playspace is part of a nationwide effort led by KABOOM to end playspace inequity.
In April, kids in the community shared drawings of their dream playspaces with project organizers. These ideas were integrated into the new playground design. The project builds on the momentum highlighted in last year’s Emmett Township Park revitalization efforts — continuing a shared commitment to creating welcoming spaces that strengthen community connections.
The Wilson Foundation launched the initiative in 2018 in partnership with KABOOM and The Skatepark Project to help communities in southeast Michigan and western New York.
To date, the $17 million initiative has supported the creation of nearly 100 playspaces and skateparks across its two regions.
The final eight projects supported through Built to Play will be completed throughout 2026 in coordination with local community foundations.
