Local community members are set to roll up their sleeves and give back to a popular Kingsport playground this weekend. The Darrell's Dream Boundless Playground at Warriors' Path State Park is scheduled to be closed this Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., as volunteers gather for the 18th annual Day of Caring/Day of Service. While the park itself will remain open, families looking to enjoy the playground will need to plan around these hours or join in the cleanup efforts. In the event of inclement weather, the cleanup will move to the following Saturday, May 3, according to the Department of Environment and Conservation.
In a statement obtained by the Department of Environment and Conservation, Park Manager Chris Cole expressed his appreciation, saying, "This has become a community event with many partners working together. The playground is a special place, and events like this show the commitment to supporting the park. We are grateful to everyone involved for volunteering." The day promises to quickly enhance the playground's features, including tasks like replenishing rubber mulch, pressure washing equipment, and sprucing up surrounding greenery.
It’s organized by the Friends of Warriors' Path State Park and Tennessee State Parks, along with local groups. The Kingsport Lions Club and Kiwanis Club of Kingsport have played a big role, helping add new features to the playground like fun wardrobes and better audio on the Braille Trail.
Among the businesses contributing goods or services are Food City, Hardee’s (Capstone Restaurants), Mycroft Signs, McDonald’s (Faris Properties), and Walmart Super Centers of Kingsport. Organizations such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, several high schools, and regional colleges have pledged to send volunteers—all part of a regional effort that has helped to sustain these community facilities. Mary Steadman, board member of support group Friends of Warriors’ Path, told the Department of Environment and Conservation, "Darrell’s Dream Boundless Playground remains in such good shape after 18 years because of our volunteers. It takes a community. We are so thankful for the community support." Approximately 150 volunteers are expected to partake in this year’s endeavor.
Warriors’ Path is the first state park in the country to have a Boundless Playground, designed for kids of all ages and abilities. It’s a popular spot in Kingsport, drawing over 165,000 visitors each year. If you want to volunteer or learn more, contact Park Manager Chris Cole at (423) 239-8531 or [email protected], or reach out to Mary Steadman at (423) 956-4330 or [email protected], as per the Department of Environment and Conservation.
