New play areas dedicated
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Thanks to the joint effort of several entities, children in Safford have more places to play.
Members of the Gila Valley Recreation Foundation and Stand Against Violence Everywhere joined with representatives of the city of Safford and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church on Nov. 13 to dedicate new play equipment.
The equipment consists of a large wooden structure supporting a canopied platform, slides, swings and a ramp for children. An identical structure was placed at a play area at the intersection of 14th Avenue and El Paso Boulevard, said Mike Thompson, director of the foundation.
No city money was used for the play equipment, Thompson said. Instead, the $15,400 cost per play area was paid by the foundation and SAVE. The money from these organizations was from donations.
SAVE also donated an additional $3,000 for benches that will be installed at the play areas within the next 60 days.
The city of Safford installed curbing at the play areas and will maintain them. The St. Rose of Lima site was obtained through a lease agreement between the city and the church. The site at 14th Avenue and El Paso Boulevard was donated by the city.
“This was a community effort for the kids,” Thompson said.
Safford Vice Mayor Jason Kouts recognized SAVE, the foundation, Thompson and former foundation director J. T. Cotter for their work in making the play areas a reality.
“It’s because of people like you that children will benefit from this,” he said.
Father Ariel Lustan, pastor of St. Rose of Lima, talked about the church’s role in the project.
“The commitment of St. Rose of Lima is not just for the Catholic community, but for the entire community,” he said.
