Individuals


	From April 30 through May 4, hundreds of volunteers from the Emporia community and beyond gathered at Peter Pan Park to help build a new playground. The community-built playground started as a project of the Leadership Emporia Class of 2004. Four years later, the funds had been raised and the new play area for children and families to enjoy was ready to be built thanks in large part to committee members Mike Dorcey and Robin Nelson. According to Dorcey, the purpose of the project was to build a new playground and build community spirit at the same time. Dorcey and Nelson worked together to make the plan for a community playground a reality by raising funds and raising support from the community along the way. The community-built approach was pursued because it not only gave Emporia a new, exciting playground but also provided the community a chance to come together and build new relationships to benefit the community for decades to come, as well as give the young people of Emporia an example of how they can contribute to their community when it's their turn. “We were really impressed with how the community contributed. The Emporia Gazette was so supportive getting the word out, too,” Nelson said. Dorcey said it was a phenomenal experience and rewarding to see the finished product after more than four years of hard work. “People from all walks of life in Emporia were out there working shoulder to shoulder. For me, that was the highlight of the project.” Nelson also added, “ Everyone who helped is really proud of the new playground. It’s full of kids enjoying it whenever we go by!”


	Earl Williams came to Emporia to play football for Emporia State University. He met his wife while attending ESU and they lived here 20 more years together while raising their family. Earl stays active in the Emporia community as a coach, and member of the Site Committee and the East Side Neighborhood Group. “I like the secure community and growth in diversity in Emporia. I love working with kids; it’s both fun and rewarding.”

    Building Futures - The Blueprint for Emporia
    719 Commercial | Emporia, KS 66801
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