A popular attraction at the Oklahoma City Zoo is getting an upgrade. Through a grassroots effort 15 years ago, the Junior League of Oklahoma City teamed up with the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Oklahoma Zoological Society and community philanthropist Christian Keesee to build the Jungle Gym Playground. The 30,000-square-foot playground has since welcomed families as place to gather and play during their visits to the zoo.
The Jungle Gym Playground was designed with input from 3,500 metro area students and the Oklahoma City community at large helped supply the labor and materials to build the popular play area in only 10 days. This $1.35 million playground project was made possible through the efforts of more than 5,000 volunteers and hundreds of businesses donating their time, tools and talent.
In honor of the Junior League of Oklahoma City’s 90th anniversary, the organization will host a four-day expansion & renovation event, April 12-15, 2018.
“We are asking community members and volunteers to join together in an effort to update and refresh the playground, as well as expand its footprint to add new components such as the AbilityWhirl, a ride that allows children who use wheelchairs to get on and enjoy,” says Ann Cameron, Anniversary Co-Chair.
You are invited to be part of the build! Families, churches, civic groups, corporations, artists, members of the construction industry and individuals are invited to help. Over 800 volunteers ages 10 and up are needed for this project come into fruition. Loaner tools, materials and food donations are also needed. There will be three, four-hour shifts offered each day, and meals will be provided for all volunteers.
The Jungle Gym expansion and renovation will benefit the community in a number of ways including continuing to offer families a place to gather and kids a place for hands-on, creative play.
If you are interested in participating, making donations or need more information, visit JLOC.org/JungleGym or email JungleGym@jloc.org. An Amazon Wish List has also been set up for those who wish to donate at bit.ly/JungleGymWishList
