Exciting Playground Revamp in Bowling Green
Bowling Green is abuzz with excitement as the International Center of Kentucky is gearing up to unveil its newly renovated playground, thanks to a generous 2024 Lowe’s Hometowns grant of $71,000! The big renovation day, known as Red Vest Day, took place on Thursday, November 14, 2024, where local Lowe’s employees donned their iconic red vests and rolled up their sleeves for a good cause.
A Community Effort
With the weather on their side, a group of enthusiastic volunteers from Lowe’s home improvement store gathered with staff from the International Center to kick off the renovation project. They started off by laying down fresh rubber mulch—working together to create a safe and inviting atmosphere for children who will soon be able to enjoy this revamped space. How refreshing to see community members come together for such a fun project!
International Center Executive Director Albert Mbanfu also joined the volunteers. He expressed optimism about the new playground, stating that it will be “nice and neat, clean, and safe for the immigrants that live here—something inviting for the community and playful, a family atmosphere.”
Exciting New Features
The playground will feature a whole host of exciting new equipment. Expected to be fully operational by November 30, the renovations will include:
- A brand-new basketball hoop
- Musical melody sets for budding musicians
- Swings and a see-saw for classic playground fun
- Monkey bars and a slide mountain playground structure
This revitalization is significant not only for the current residents but also for the many refugee children in the area. It’s designed to help them feel more at home and better prepared to navigate their school environments. As Mbanfu pointed out, “By having a modern playground like this, it is helpful for them to acclimate themselves with what they will experience when they go to school.” It is all about ensuring these kids have a sense of belonging—even in a new country.
Who Will Benefit?
The playground is set to be a true community asset, available for refugee children from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours, the playground will be open to the public, providing a fun and safe space for local families. However, parents should note that while it’ll be open after hours, there will be no supervision on-site.
Giving Back to the Community
Steven Wilson, the Assistant Store Manager at the Bowling Green Lowe’s, emphasized how important it is for employees to give back, especially to the children of the community. As a father himself, Wilson shared his hope for the playground saying, “To show them that we care, and they’re invited to the community—that’s a really big deal to us!”
A Bright Future Ahead
As construction and installation wrap up and the final touches are added to the playground, excitement is building for the community unveiling. With its modern playground equipment, parents can rest assured their children will have a safe, fun place to play and enjoy time with their friends. Bowling Green’s International Center is making waves by creating a welcoming environment that embraces families and helps children thrive.
As we await the grand opening, one thing is clear: Bowling Green is ready to enjoy this new chapter of fun and community support.
