The only thing standing between the city of Houston and an accessible playground that can be used by all children is … you.
That’s the message that a group behind Mission 66 want to get out to those in Houston County and beyond who would like to lend their time to help build a playground that’s been years in the making.
The project needs 150 volunteers per shift from Wednesday, May 1 through Sunday, May 5. The shifts are from 8 a.m. to noon, 12:30 to 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to dusk.
Both skilled and unskilled workers are needed. Skilled workers are those who are able to cut a straight line with a circular saw. Unskilled workers are needed to sign in volunteers, sign in and out tools, child care, food prep, sand, shovel, cleanup, spread mulch, assist with carpentry jobs or paint in the art tent.
You will be fed lunch and supper (some of the meals have been donated by area churches) and if you need child care, it will be provided on the weekends.
Those with any special needs or talents can contact the organizers, and they’ll find a job just for you.
To sign up, visit houstonmission66.org. If you don’t know your exact schedule yet, organizers ask that you sign up anyway so they know how many people they can count on. The time and day can always be changed later.
The story behind the project — and the bus
Because Houston is a small, rural community, the tax base can be limited. The city has to make difficult choices in how to most wisely use what dollars are available, and most go toward the town’s operations and needs. For years there has been discussion about how to refurbish or renovate the Central City Park — a place much used by townspeople and visitors alike. The existing playground was old and the equipment had long outlived its usefulness. And there were no accommodations for most special needs children or adults.
About 12 years ago, Houston’s graduating class of 1966 had a class reunion and discussed how they could “give back” to the school and community. The idea they came up with was to buy an abandoned school bus for $100, which they turned into an homage to the 1960s, complete with flowers painted everywhere, Peace & Love signs and an outrageous face painted in the front.
The bus appeared in every event possible — you could hear it coming down the street thanks to the blaring ’60s music — and has become a special part of the community.
As the bus grew older, maintaining it became more difficult. The class started thinking of ways to commemorate the quirky, beloved piece of Houston history. Members of the class met with the City Park & Rec Board, received support of the city council and came up with an ambitious plan to renovate the existing city park playground into one that has new, inclusive equipment.
It would also feature the bus as a gateway to the playground. The bus, like most of the playground, would be wheelchair accessible and meet the needs of all children.
A park for all children
The project, called Mission 66, was run under the city’s auspices and spearheaded by volunteers from the Class of 1966, the Park & Rec board, and the community. There were no taxpayer dollars spent for the project. It has been funded entirely by donations of money and time, as well as grants and fundraising efforts. The city will assume responsibility for maintenance just as it does for other parks in Houston.
The proposed playground is a custom design by Leathers and Associates and incorporates many unique features, such as a swing for wheelchairs and exercise equipment. Leathers specializes in accessible playgrounds and community build projects.
The playground will be unique in its inclusive equipment for children who have special needs and also offer new, challenging equipment for all young people. The equipment will allow children to build stronger muscles and enhanced flexibility, all while interacting with others to build social skills and a higher level of confidence. The size, accessibility and features of the playground will be a regional attraction and create new opportunities for those of all ages and abilities.
The playground will be built from the ground up, and volunteers have been asked to loan the necessary tools and are encouraged to come and operate them.
The proposed playground is a custom design by Leathers and Associates and incorporates many unique features, such as a swing for wheelchairs and exercise equipment. Leathers specializes in accessible playgrounds and community-built projects.
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