Playground dedication ushers in new era for Eva Horning Park
A crowd anxiously awaits the beginning of a dedication ceremony for new playground equipment recently installed at the Eva Horning Park in Superior. (Photo courtesy of Mary Jo Berry)
Kids of all ages were the first to play on the new equipment recently installed at the Eva Horning Park in Superior on Nov. 17. (Photo courtesy of Mary Jo Berry)
Despite a forecast of rain or possible snow showers, the Mineral County Community Foundation (MCCF) held the dedication of the new playground equipment as scheduled on Nov. 17 at the Eva Horning Park in Superior. A lively group of kids and curious community members assembled near the bright green ribbon to see what had been installed behind the orange fence at the east end of the park. For those who came early, they were treated to a sneak preview — an invitation to check out the equipment before the ceremony. From the excited shouts of the kids, the “preview” met their expectations.
At the appointed time, MCCF member Liz Gupton gave a short status report on the playground. All equipment is installed, with only the swing set frames needing the clamps attached for swings, and the hood attached to the triple slides. Earlier in the day, the city crew and several volunteers, attached the two net climbers to the center poles and bolted them to the anchor plates. An arch frame tire swing was also assembled and ready to use. She noted that the large piles of cushioning (engineered wood fiber chips donated by Tricon Timber) had been distributed around the equipment, but some places needed deeper cushioning. This would be accomplished with the delivery of more chips. Once these items are completed, the orange fence will come down and the new equipment will be ready for play.
Gupton then introduced Maggy Bailey, President of MCCF, who gave the background of Eva Horning Park and a brief history of the Horning family’s influence in Superior. Several descendants of Eva and Charles Horning contributed to the playground project in honor of their grandmother, Eva. Maggy told the group that the playground was the result of many volunteer hours of fundraising, organizing, assembling, installing and now the final product was nearly ready. She said the Park was a significant asset to the community and the county, and hoped there was a way to retain a public swimming pool as well. Mayor Roni Philips completed the ceremony by untying the ribbon to the park, and the kids bounded into the park to play for a little longer.
After the dedication at the park, everyone reassembled at the 4-H building where Maggy and Sheelia Miller provided a light dinner of sandwiches, hot cider, side dishes and a decorated cake to commemorate the occasion. Festive balloons brightened up the room, and the kids enjoyed picking out some to take home.
As promised, the winning raffle tickets were drawn by youngsters at the end of the program. And the winners are: A fishing float trip for two donated by Rugg’s Outfitters — Kirby Smith; Ten riding lessons for two donated by Tarkio Equestrian — Cheryl Crabb; $500 worth of brand name beauty products donated by Beach’s Beauty Supply — Jon Shirley; and a 40-inch flat-screen TV donated by the MCCF Board — Jim Harris.
One final project that MCCF will accomplish in the near future is a Donor Wall to be installed near the entrance to the playground on Fifth Avenue. This will display the many contributions of funds, volunteer time, materials, and equipment time that made this project possible. Thanks to all who contributed to this project in any way.