AMAZING.  That is the word that comes to mind when I think how our community came together to build the Rotary Adventure Playground.  We had more than 1,000 volunteers come out to work with their neighbors, to saw, paint, swing a hammer, drive screws and wheelbarrow.  I was amazed at how I repeatedly saw contractors instructing the non-experienced volunteers so everyone had a chance to build a piece of the playground.  I was amazed at how, when all was said and done, how smoothly everything went.  

While I may have had the idea, without a fabulous group of committed individuals working on this, the idea never would have moved forward.  Those amazing people are: Joyce Dunn, Carol Stillian, Cindi Wickstrom, Debbie Phibbs, James McCafferty, Mike Nestor, Myra Reinhardt, Randy Heagle, Robert Wickstrom, Theresa Metzger, Whitney Warner, Megan Gilday, Terry Aschenbrenner, Robyn Klundt, Bud Nestor, Joyce Dunn and Don Maile. 

I would also like to recognize the Captains who have been here throughout the build, morning to night, giving both their time and knowledge, leading and directing all of the volunteers.  Those Captains are: Tracy Tifffany, Matt Carr, Chuck Shufreider, Rick Bentley, Jim Hall, Randy Heagle, Mike Saylor, Bud Nester, Skip Ingraham, and Mike Nester.

I would like to give special recognition to a person who was both a committee member and a Captain.  The Playground build would not have gone half as smoothly without his efforts, and for that, my hat is off to Barry Van Sickle, our Captain of Captains.

Every one of these people gave a lot of their time and energy, so when you see them around town, please thank them for their hard work and dedication. 

I would also like to thank some of our Major Sponsors, whose support helped made this project a reality.  First, our naming sponsor, the Stanwood Camano Rotary Club, who stepped up and supported this project from the very beginning.  The Donna J. and Charles T. Cole Charitable Foundation, a foundation that is very close to my heart, and which continues the Cole Family’s support of our community.  I also appreciate the support of Whidbey Island Bank, Stanwood Camano Physical Therapy, Evergreen Surveying, Birch Equipment Rental, Bank of America, Windermere and Hertz Equipment Rental.  These are only a few of the many businesses and individuals who have supported this project, and I invite you to read through the “Thank you” tab on the left.  Even in this tough economic times, these businesses and individuals stepped up to support this wonderful community project, so I ask that, when you visit their establishments, please thank them for their support. 

Finally, I would like to thank my family.  To my wife Megan, without whose love and support, none of this would have been possible.  To my boys, Laker and Graham, for being my inspiration to complete this project.  I knew it had all been worth it when I went home Sunday night after the grand opening, and my boys were still up and having a snack.  Laker looked up at me and said, "Daddy, I just love my new playground."  Moments like that just don't come around every day, and I am grateful to each of you for helping this idea become a reality. 

It is wonderful to be a member of such a wonderful and caring community.  It was a privilege and an honor to volunteer alongside all of you. 

See you at the playground!

Greg Gilday