Kids from Asian Youth Center enjoying the new playground (Photo – AYC)
Smith Park in San Gabriel has a new playground.
By Cheryl Cabot
Thanks to Kaboom, CarMax, Asian Youth Center, L.A. Clippers, San Gabriel Kiwanis, the San Gabriel Sea Gulls Swim Team, Athens Services, San Gabriel Community Services Commission and many other sponsors, the playground took shape in record time.
With 220 volunteers,120 bags of cement, two tons of wood chips and all the necessary components, the playground was complete in six hours including ribbon cutting. Playground equipment, benches and picnic tables were constructed, while cement was mixed and poured and wood chips carried to the playground site. In addition, all the fencing around the playground and adjoining swimming pool, as well as the handball courts were painted and a complete, new kitchen was installed in the pool house.
In addition, CarMax presented the Asian Youth Center a $10,000 grant in recognition of their work with youth in the San Gabriel community. Special guests were Craig Smith of the L.A. Clippers along with two Clippers dancers and the mascot, Chuck.
Volunteers working at Smith Park (Photo – Cheryl Cabot)
L.A. Clippers mascot, Chuck (Photo – Cheryl Cabot)
The finished playground (Photo – Cheryl Cabot)
Asian Youth Center kids trying the new playground (Photo – AYC)
Very cool. Kaboom is a great program. Other cities should look into it.