The first Kiwanis playground The first playground (shown at left) was built in the 1970's by club members on the northwest side of Chandler Park in downtown Macomb. Since that time, thousands of children have climbed in, on, over and under that colorful playground equipment.

The NEW Kiwanis playground

In 2009, at the suggestion of then president Tim Moss, the club began exploring the possibility of building a newer playground on the northeast side of Chandler Park. With the help of the City of Macomb and Jones Engineering, plans were drawn up and approved by the city council.

How it's being paid for

To help raise the necessary funds for the playground, the club board of directors voted to authorize allocating $10,000 from the club treasury as seed money to go towards the cost of the equipment. To raise the rest of the money, the club decided to build a brick patio area next to the playground and sell engraved bricks that would be installed in the patio. Working with Lacky Monuments, sample bricks were used so that club members could go out into the community and "sell" the bricks. Regular size bricks were sold for $100 while larger bricks were sold for $500. These larger bricks were sold mainly to businesses and organizations so they could include their logo if they wished. Click here for more information on the bricks.

The total needed to build the playground and the patio area was estimated at $32,000. That was the club goal. In late 2010, enough money had been raised so a down payment could be sent to the playground equipment company.

So far, the club has raised over $41,000 through the sale of bricks and from donations. The Kiwanis club board of directors named Kiwanis member Owen Thompson as the Project Manager. Working with Macomb Public Works Director Walter Burnett, the club agreed to begin construction of the new playground in October 2010 and groundbreaking is set for October 9 for the playground equipment. Plans are to begin work on the brick patio area on October 16. A ribbon cutting for the new playground has been scheduled for October 23 at 2:00pm. Please check back as we will update this page with pictures and the latest news about the new childrens playground in Chandler Park. A playground being built for children to enjoy for years to come.

What the new playground equipment will look like when completed.

An artists concept of the new brick patio area adjacent to the playground.

City crews began work on preparing the park for the playground equipment on September 21.

Crews begin work on the water line that will feed into a new drinking fountain the club plans to add to the playground area.

The brick patio area is starting to take shape.

Here's another view of the brick patio area with the playground area in the background.

The base for the new playground equipment has been laid by city crews.

Saturday, October 23, 2:00pm, Macomb Mayor Mick Wisslead, surrounded by several Kiwanis members, cuts the ribbon to officially open the new playground.

With the playground completed, it's time for kids to hop on and play.

Thanks to Timberhill Nursery, the bricks are all in place. Thanks to all the contributors who made the new playground possible.