Doolittle park almost finished

MOSES LAKE - Volunteers worked through Sunday constructing Gen. James H. Doolittle Park and have only finishing touches.

Site director Kassandra Watson said all the structures are raised including the castle and a separate area with a unicorn playhouse for younger children. The park features balance beams, music chimes, bouncy bridges, and fireman slide.

"There are some water misters for the summer that aren't quite complete but they're there. They just need the final touches to make them workable," she said.

About two-thirds of the artwork is finished and help is needed for staining and sealing for protection against weather.

Park organizer Tara Childs said about $7,000 was donated over the weekend, but funds are still needed and 250 pickets, which benefit the park, are still for sale.

Work to finish the park begins Saturday at 9 a.m. and volunteers are encouraged to contact either Watson or Childs.

"We probably need another 100 people out they're if we're going to do it all and get it done in a reasonable amount of time," Watson said.

The park's grand opening was Sunday and children played for about an hour.

Childs said she has a lot of people she would like to thank for making it possible.

"Columbia Basin Job Corps for stepping up to the plate … and also local community members and businesses. It is such a bonding experience, it was a lifetime experience that we'll never forget," she said.

The regular meeting of the playground group is tonight at 7 p.m. at Moses Lake Senior Living Community on Aspi Boulevard, off Patton Boulevard.

"That's when they're going to discuss the plans for exactly what they're going to be doing on Saturday and there will be representatives from all parts of the committee to discuss the different components that need to be finished," Watson said.

Donations can be mailed to The Columbia Basin Foundation, 234 First Ave., Suite B, Ephrata, WA 98823.

To volunteer, contact Tara Childs at 509-771-0074 or Kassandra Watson at 509-766-2667.