West Jordan volunteers roll up sleeves to create park

WEST JORDAN — Community pride and a desire for a park inspired almost 300 volunteers — including 13 potential Eagle Scouts — to roll up their sleeves and dig in the dirt Friday.

Two 6,000-square-foot park spaces have sat as empty grass for the past 10 years. Residents told city leaders they want trees, a picnic pavilion, playground equipment and benches in Eagle Park at 7530 S. 5280 West and Grizzly Park at 7400 S. 4100 West.

But with tight budgets, there isn't a lot of extra funding.

So, West Jordan City Councilman Ben Southworth decided to launch a project, leading a rallying cry for volunteers and getting help from corporate sponsors. The money saved by work from volunteers is being put back into the park.

"The community gets a better park this way," Southworth said.

Volunteers Friday sported white T-shirts with red and blue letters reading "West Jordan Community Built Playground" on the front and "I am community spirit" on the back.

"I want a close place for my kids to play," said volunteer Julie Kinsey, who has two children, ages 10 and 13.

Sunny skies, a cool breeze and rock music energized the workers as they dug holes and set up playground equipment. At noon, the volunteers took a break for a group photo and munched on pizza supplied by sponsors.

"The response has been phenomenal," Southworth said. "It's met and surpassed all my expectations."

Lisa McGrath, who worked the food booth, said keeping the volunteers fed and happy is important — all part of the big picture for the park project.

"It's about community ownership," McGrath said. "And it's about having an area you like living in and are excited to be a part of."

The entire park project is costing $293,000 and is being funded as part of a $4 million open-space bond voters approved five years ago.

Thirteen young men are striving to earn Eagle Scout awards through their work on the project. Each boy is in charge of a team.

Zach Butler, 15, who is overseeing a boulder and slides, said he has learned communication and organizational skills.

"I think the kids are going to challenge themselves and feel accomplished if they can do it," he said.

Volunteers could even get free day care in the local LDS Church gym while they worked at the park.

"We live by the park, just one block away, and we'll use it a lot," Andrea Breitling said while overseeing a dozen kids doing arts and crafts.

Breitling has five children, ages 3 to 10.

"My kids will love it," she said. "They are really excited."

The park ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sept. 11. Children will form a circle holding a 250-foot-long paper chain.

Work continues 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, go to www.wjvolunteer.info

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