The Bogue Falaya Park Playground Build

An important part of St. Tammany community life are the playgrounds, whether on the Mandeville lakefront, the neighborhood pocket parks, or just anywhere there's enough space to put a swingset and see saw. Several playgrounds have been hand-built by parent volunteers and community service organizations. I remember taking pictures of such projects in Slidell, Covington, Lacombe and Mandeville. 

The building and grand opening of the rather extensive playground structures in Bogue Falaya Park in Covington by parent volunteers in the mid-1990's was an incredibly successful and long-awaited venture. Local meetings were held and input was received from hundreds of people, young and old. All that planning went into the final design.

(Click on the images to make them larger.)

One day, the materials were delivered and the volunteers arrived...

They examined the plans and bolted things together...

Loads of sand were brought in...

 

Using front end loaders as well as wheelbarrows.

Stakes were staked, and dirt was raked...

And hopefully no saw horses were sawed.

Swing sets were set, railings were nailed...  

Tire swings were weight-tested... 

Then came the finishing touches...

And when all was done, it was time to get ready for the big grand opening...

 

Dozens of kids encircled the playground with a paper chain...

 

 

Then came the wait to open the gate...

 

 

Music was provided by a big brass band...  

 

 

 

Finally the opening ceremonies began...

And the signal was given...

The crowd broke through the paper chains at the entrance...

Everyone rushed in to check it all out...

And the fun began.

 

See also:

Bogue Falaya Park History

Sign Dedication at Bogue Falaya Park

Bogue Falaya Park Pavilion