This weeks Fantastic Friday hits really close to home for anyone who ever visited the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground in Toronto’s High Park.
Last winter, the incredible play structure was destroyed by fire. A fire that was set by an arsonist. As much as I want to say a few things about the type of person that would destroy a landmark that has been the place of very happy memories for so many people; I won’t. Fantastic Friday focuses on the greatest of humanity…not the other side.
This week, a group of volunteers put their hard hats on, grabbed their hammers, lifted lumber and when the dust settled, the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground had risen from the ashes and was re-born.
The Make it Right Team
When the playground was destroyed it hit so many people felt the impact. Our children had all played on the incredible structure. Now, because of a dedicated community, an army of volunteers and some amazing people and organizations, others will continue to build memories with their families that will last a life time.
Slides a plenty
Canadian Tire, Lowes, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association, Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Police Service, Toronto Emergency Medical Services, High Park Nature Society and Colborne Lodge Museum all played a hand in the week that saw the re-birth of a legend.
Naturally, someone had to orchestrate all of this and be the expert on site for the construction process and that was Mike Holmes and the team from Make-It-Right.
But, this post wouldn’t be complete without recognizing the final group that took part in the re-build…the community volunteers.
So this weeks Fantastic Friday goes to everyone who dedicated their time, resources, sweat and commitment to an incredible event. To all of those who chose to #BeGreat!
Thank you for being great!
Thank you!
Here are a few links to news stories and the organization of the event.
www.toronto.ca/parks/pdf/featured-parks/jamiebell.pdf
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/crime/article/1223148–high-park-s-jamie-bell-adventure-playground-rises-from-the-ashes
http://www.torontosun.com/2012/07/13/high-park-playground-replaces-one-destroyed-by-arson
Photo Credits: @Make_It_Right Twitter Account
