Illustration of the accessible spinning dome planned for the new Hellwig Park playground. Courtesy of PWC Parks & Recreation.
A new inclusive playground shaped by drawings from local kids will be built at George Hellwig Memorial Park in Manassas during a four-day build week, Tuesday, Oct. 20 through Friday, Oct. 23.
Prince William Parks & Recreation is partnering with Amazon and KABOOM!, a national nonprofit that builds play spaces with communities, on the project at the park, 14420 Bristow Road. The playground will sit next to the Miracle Field at Hellwig and is designed with accessible features so children of all abilities can play together.
Designed with local kids
In August, kids in the community shared drawings of their dream play spaces with project organizers, and those ideas were worked into the playground design. According to the county, community members led the creation of the playground from design to installation.
A neighbor to the Miracle Field
Each year, dozens of children and young adults with disabilities play Miracle League baseball at the Miracle Field, an accessible field next door. Parks & Recreation says the new play space will complement the field, creating more chances for children of varying abilities to play and connect alongside their families and the surrounding community.
What to expect during build week
Volunteers are needed Tuesday through Friday, starting at 8 a.m. each day. The county’s event page lays out the week:
Tuesday, Oct. 20: A kickoff event with Parks & Recreation, KABOOM! and Amazon on site. Volunteers get the full scoop on the work area and their duties and pick up any tools and supplies.
Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 21–22: Prep days to get the site ready for the playground equipment. Work is available for volunteers of all skill levels, and sample tasks include assembling play equipment, mixing concrete and painting murals.
Friday, Oct. 23: Volunteers construct the playground beginning at 8 a.m. A build week celebration with remarks and photo opportunities follows at 2:30 p.m., and the county says there will be food and music.
Speakers on site Friday will include Janet Bartnik, acting director of Prince William County Parks & Recreation; Colin Sollitt, community engagement manager for Amazon; and Yesli Vega, Coles District supervisor on the Board of County Supervisors.
How to volunteer
Volunteers sign up by day through KABOOM!. Tools, safety glasses and gloves are provided, along with lunch, water and snacks. The county asks volunteers to wear comfortable work clothes and closed-toe shoes and says there is ample parking. KABOOM!’s sign-up page says the build goes on rain or shine.
The county’s event page says volunteers must be 18 or older, with very limited tasks available for ages 14 to 17.
Sign up here: https://volunteer.kaboom.org/opportunity/a7XPK0000001cHl2AI/help-build-a-playground-at-george-hellwig-memorial-park
Questions can go to [email protected].
Part of a national effort
The project is part of a nationwide effort led by KABOOM! to end play space inequity, which the organization describes as the reality that too many children, especially children of color, do not get the chance to play on a playground. This is KABOOM!’s 30th year. Since 1996, the nonprofit says it has helped transform more than 17,000 play spaces, reaching more than 12 million kids nationwide.
The county calls the new playground a state-of-the-art space for thousands of children to enjoy each year.
Build week details
Where: George Hellwig Memorial Park, 14420 Bristow Road, Manassas
Build week: Tuesday, Oct. 20 through Friday, Oct. 23, starting at 8 a.m. each day
Friday: 8 a.m. volunteers construct the playground; 2:30 p.m. build week celebration
Volunteer sign-up: through KABOOM! (link above)
Like what you read? Get The Gazette.
The Woodbridge Gazette is independent, hyperlocal news for Prince William County and surrounding communities, free in your inbox every Monday. Subscribe here.
