Construction under way

Doolittle park project began Wednesday

MOSES LAKE - Construction of Gen. James H. Doolittle Park was off to a good start Wednesday, when 143 volunteers showed up for the 8 a.m. shift.

Volunteers are on site working several shifts through Sunday to build the 12,000 square-foot playground. Shifts are available from 8 a.m. to noon, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"We wanted to help our community and we wanted to show our community that we're here," said Covenant Christian School student Brigidd Martinez, 14.

Martinez and several other students from Covenant Christian School were among youth volunteering their time to see the park completed.

The students said they planned to return to the park after it is built.

"We were going to come down here and chill. Never too old," said Denisse Gaucin, 17.

"Either that or we just feel really young," added Claire Hallberg, 15.

Gaucin said the students were having fun working on the park. There has been a lot of team- work, she said.

Community member Ben Holten said he wanted to do his part to help the community.

Holten, who was cutting wood with an electric saw, said he was enjoying himself.

"It's pretty well organized," Holten said. "Considering how much of a project management nightmare this could be, I'd say it's pretty well organized."

Moses Lake High School seniors Karissa Sanchez, 18, and Courtney Earl, 17, said they chose to volunteer for the project to fulfill part of their community service requirements.

"I think this was a fun one for us to choose to help out at," Sanchez said.

Students from Columbia Basin Job Corps were also on site helping with construction. A crew building beams on Wednesday said they planned to work at the park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday.

"To me it's work, plus it's something to help out the community," said student Dominick Henderson, 18. "Making this place a better community by adding something for the children to play."

Chris Bertram, 23, said he thinks the park's construction is a good cause. Bertram said when he drives by the park after it is finished, he will be able to say he had a part in building it.

"Job Corps is a good work-place environment, and we like to help the community around us," said Eddie Johnson, 18.

Park organizer Tara Childs said anybody can show up to volunteer.

Childs advised volunteers to dress in work clothes and bring a hammer, screwdriver and gloves. Childs said volunteers do not have to feel overwhelmed, as they will be making no decisions. Volunteers are assigned a simple task, she said.

Meals are provided to volunteers.

Childs noted $30,000 is still needed for the park's construction.

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

For more information, call Tara Childs at 509-771-0074.