Children share ideas for new playground

Ingrid Pavia has been dreaming of bringing a new playground to Bonners Ferry ever since she and her three children played at the Fort Sherman playground in Coeur d' Alene 10 years ago.

“We loved it, and I enjoyed playing on it just as much as the children,” said Pavia, who stumbled across the playground while looking for ways to entertain her children. (“It made you think about how you were going to go after the person while playing tag.”)

That dream is starting to become a reality. On June 7, Leathers and Associates playground designer Dennis Wille came to Bonners Ferry to meet with Pavia and residents to talk about the community's needs for a playground at the Boundary County Fairgrounds.

The playground is expected to cost near $200,000. Funding will come from donations and grants.

After taking measurements, Wille began looking at and listening to ideas from children, their drawings and from adults. Throughout the day, he shared basic concepts of how this project can really bring a community together, especially when it is a playground built for people of all ages and abilities.

“We aren't going to attract too many people here if it's not a family friendly place said Pavia. “This playground could really be the catalyst to really make people want to stay here and play here without having to spend money, which will promote economic growth.”

While the group has established a basic design, the project is still open to ideas. 

In the plans are an eagle's nest, a treehouse/lookout tower, a bear den, a canoe, a ferry and the Kootenai River complete with fish, which is designed in part by children. It also will include swings, some of which are deemed therapeutic, a rock wall, a climbing net, a labyrinth, a bridge, bocci ball area, game tables and benches. 

The foundation of the playground is planned to make the area accessible to those with walkers or wheelchairs. 

“I can't imagine anyone who is able to get around on two legs not wanting this access, if and when life's circumstances should alter their capabilities and needs or those of someone they love,” said Pavia. “So it should be equally important to the rest of us to ensure this foundation for others who presently live with such challenges everyday.” 

Gene and Ruth Perry donated a two-night stay at their Northside School Bed and Breakfast for Wille.

For more information, contact Pavia at 267-7374 or by e-mail at ingridelenaslove@hotmail.com.