Chicagoland Saturn retailers built 15 new playgrounds during the weekend of June 28-30. The project, called "Build a Kingdom for Kids," involved construction of each playground site in one day through the efforts of Saturn retail, customer and United Auto Workers (UAW) volunteers. Several park districts and recreation agencies in Illinois benefited, including: Chicago, Dundee, Glenview, Countryside, Libertyville, Naperville, Aurora, Tinley Park, Hoffman Estates, Waukegan, South Holland, Oak Lawn and Rockford. According to Saturn's president, Don Hudler, "A part of Saturn's business philosophy is to meet the needs of our neighbors. Our retailers enthusiastically share this spirit and we're proud of their investment in their community's future." The "Build a Kingdom for Kids" project was inspired by a similar project involving Saturn retailers throughout the country, who built a children's park in Spring Hill, Tennessee. "Kid's Kingdom" equipment, materials, site preparation and supervision were provided by Kompan/Big Toys, the world's leading supplier of children's recreational equipment. All "Kid's Kingdoms" are accessible to the physically challenged and meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Michael Pannitto, Tinley Park District
board member (left) and Brian Younker,
board president, are extremely proud of
their new playground, which demonstrates
a public/private partnership.
Illinois Parks & Recreation * November/December 1996 * 47 |
Sam S. Manivong, Illinois Periodicals Online Coordinator |