San Bernardino Corps dedicates new community playground

JOINT VENTURE

CAPTAIN DIANNE DOOM, standing on a center-stage play structure, says a few words prior to her dedicatory prayer at the dedication service for the San Bernardino Corps’ new community playground.

After four years of planning, the San Bernardino Corps recently dedicated its new community playground. Over 100 people were in attendance, including many children eagerly waiting to test the new equipment.

Major Russell Fritz, San Bernardino Corps, led the dedication service, while Captain Dianne Doom, divisional youth secretary of the Sierra del Mar Division, gave the dedicatory address.

Ricardo Tomboc, a member of the San Bernardino Corps’ advisory board, as well as Christine Penn, 9, and Kayla Curtis, 12, two corps children representing many young people who will benefit from this playground, also said a few words.

The playground, which is being funded by the County of San Bernardino; the Associated General Contractors of California (AGC), San Bernardino/Riverside District; The Salvation Army; and small private donations; currently consists of a swing set with slide, bars, and a colorful center stage play structure with adjoining slides, bars, stairs, and height chart. There are also a couple of light standards in place.

However, Tom Brickley, a member of the San Bernardino Corps advisory board and AGC board of directors, is working with Fritz for additional improvements to the playground and Army grounds.

“The AGC has committed four thousands dollars in cash towards the addition of covered picnic tables, and improvements to the playground lighting and parking lot. This is in addition to donated labor, professional services, and equipment,” he said.

The playground became reality due to the lack of parks within walking distance for youngsters in the local area.

“There aren’t any parks in the general vicinity, and the county of San Bernardino was real receptive to the (playground) idea,” said Fritz. “The children in the community will have a tremendous opportunity to have a playground where they can feel safe and call their own.”