LA VERGNE - Lake Forest Park is an empty field on top of a quiet hill in the middle of the biggest subdivision in the state. This will change after the first week of June as the city of La Vergne keeps a promise made decades ago to local residents to build a playground.

On June 4-7, a volunteer team of local residents, businesses, and city workers will converge on the park to put together three separate play areas: one for ages 2-5, one for ages 5-12, and a swing area. The play areas will have slides, as well as features to encourage climbing, balancing, crawling, and cooperative play.

“The life enrichment this playground will bring to the children of the community will be amazing,” said Mayor Senna Mosley. “I will never forget the young boy who spoke to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen about two years ago. He asked us for a playground because his grandmother could not afford the gas money to drive him to a bigger park. That young man was the voice of thousands of children and their families. His dream and their dream will come true in less than two weeks.”

The playground equipment will be installed June 4-7 at Lake Forest Park, located at 401 Holland Ridge Drive behind the police substation. At this time, four volunteers are needed for Wednesday, June 4; 10 volunteers are needed for Thursday, June 5; 11 volunteers are needed for Friday, June 6. All volunteer spots have been taken for Saturday, June 7. Volunteers will be provided drinks, snacks, lunch, and a shaded place to rest throughout the build.

After the playground is installed, the sidewalks and playground surface will be poured. Weather permitting, the playground will open following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 14 at 10:00 a.m.

“I am proud of the employees of La Vergne who relentlessly pursued the funding and the vision to bring a playground to our Lake Forest community,” said Mayor Mosley. “I am grateful to Playworld Select, The Christy-Houston Foundation, Bridgestone, Ingram, Severn Trent, and Griggs and Maloney, as well as other businesses who donated. It truly does take a village when it comes to the children in our community and I am absolutely elated to be a part of this village we call La Vergne. The volunteer spirit is alive and well in our city!”

To volunteer, contact Kathy Tyson at ktyson@lavergnetn.gov or call 287-8690.