Photo by Berri Wilmore for UCD

Here’s a great chance to participate in a vital neighborhood improvement project. Phase 2 of the Walnut Hill Playground renovation project has kicked off and help from community members is necessary to make this part of the project a success.

Phase I included installing a new retaining wall with seating, and now it is time to install plants in the garden bed, so that next spring the space is alive with color and texture. A volunteer day for this project has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 47th and Sansom where the playground is located. University City District (UCD), which is leading this project along with community partners, will provide the plants, tools and instructions.

The groundbreaking for the playground improvement project (see photo) took place in the spring after UCD secured a $75,000 grant from the Target Foundation. Since the start of the project a new play surface and safety features have been added, according to a report by UCD, with more improvements like shade, games, and equipment on the way.

Interested folks are asked to email awhittenberger@universitycity.org to sign up for Saturday’s volunteer day.

A rendering of the upgraded Walnut Hill Community Playground (Image courtesy UCD).