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VOLUNTEERS TO RENOVATE FORT KID

August 27, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 27, 2014

For more information,
Contact: Natalie Lester
Moxley Carmichael
(865) 544-0088

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Iconic Knoxville playground will receive finishing touches Saturday, Sept. 20

Fort Kid, Knoxville’s community-built playground, will be renovated the same way it was built 23 years ago – with the effort of community leaders and volunteers. On Saturday, Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers will paint, remove weeds and spread pea gravel and mulch.

While adults and teens work, children’s activities will take place under tents in the Fort Kid parking lot. Volunteers will seek feedback from children on what play pieces they would like to see at Fort Kid. As funds allow, new play pieces will be added in April of 2015.

Additionally, kids will be able to build playgrounds using Lego bricks at a Bricks4Kids tent during activities offered by the Knox County Library, Knox County Parks & Recreation and others.

“We’re so excited to host this volunteer opportunity at Fort Kid on Saturday, Sept. 20,” said Beth Waters, Fort Kid committee chair. “This summer, we’ve pressure washed the playground and upgraded our curbs and fencing. The volunteer event will help put the finishing touches on our playground to ensure it is here for generations to come.”

Situated across the street from the Knoxville Museum of Art and World’s Fair Park and bordering the Fort Sanders neighborhood, Fort Kid has been a Knoxville landmark for children of all ages, parents and the community for nearly a quarter of a century. Some 2,500 volunteers built the 12,000-square-foot structure in five days in April of 1991.

To sign up to volunteer, visit www.fortkidknox.com.

“My best childhood memories were on the grounds at Fort Kid,” said Alexander Waters, redevelopment coordinator for Fort Kid. “I am looking forward to helping build the future of the playground.”

ABOUT FORT KID

Fort Kid is a 12,000-square-foot playground that includes slides, swings and other play structures. The playground is located adjacent to the World’s Fair Park and the Knoxville Museum of Art. Built in five days in 1991 by more than 2,500 volunteers, the playground has served as a downtown destination for children and their families for nearly 25 years. For more information about Fort Kid, visit www.fortkidknox.com.