WMFC Gets Nature Playground

As a candidate for Eagle Scout, Clay Comer, 17, was in search of a community service project. Clay likes children and wanted to do something that they would enjoy. So, he talked to Mrs. Wendy Plewa, lead preschool teacher at WMFC.

Wendy told Clay that she wanted a place in the woods where the children could play and learn about nature. Clay took a look at the designated site and decided to make a nature playground for the children. As a Boy Scout, Clay is required to learn about the environment. Clay found this project to be a good way of increasing his environmental knowledge while at the same time, providing a valuable community service. Before starting work on the site, he developed ideas using items found within the forest. Clay placed stumps in a section for the children to sit or play on. He created a big teepee with branches found in the woods. A wigwam was also made out of branches and leaves. Clay said, “The wigwam was a last minute idea after finishing the teepee and stumps.” Finally, logs were placed around the perimeter to define the play area. Clay recruited approximately 20 volunteers whose activities he coordinated in order to develop this nature playground.

Upon completing the project, Clay had the exciting task of introducing the playground to the children. After Clay’s introduction, the children were taken outside to experience the new nature playground. The excitement was overwhelming with the kids off and running. Many were jumping to and from stumps of different sizes. The wigwam was a big hit, with many “Kodak Moments” to capture. The teepee, which is in the center of it all, was filled with children running in and out, asking others to join them inside. Karlee, a preschooler, said “I like to play in here; all of it was my favorite part.” When leaving the playground she asked, “Wasn’t that fun?” Shyann added that “the stumps are my favorite part.” Once back inside, Graham said to Clay, “Thank you for the playground. Do we get to keep it?” After an answer of yes from Clay, the entire class yelled, “Yay!” Then Justin, and many other children, gave Clay huge hugs, each saying, “I like your playground.” All the children were clamoring to go back out and play.

The West Midland Family Center would like to thank Clay Comer for choosing to create the nature playground for our children. It will be used often to teach children about nature and as a great place for children to expend energy. Hopefully this nature playground will grow by having other boy scouts add to it in the future. This nature playground will serve hundreds of children in years to come as they learn about nature and the environment.