The Community Foundation of St. Clair County is excited to announce a transformative partnership with KaBOOM!, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, and Emmett Township to build a brand-new, community-designed playground—created by and for local families.
“This playground is a direct reflection of what our kids and families told us they want and need,” said Scott Mueller, Chair of the Emmett Township Parks Committee. “Seeing those ideas come to life is something really special for Emmett Township. It’s not just a playground; it’s a place where connections will continue to grow for years to come.”
This project builds on the momentum highlighted in last year’s park revitalization efforts—continuing a shared commitment to creating vibrant, welcoming spaces that strengthen community connections.
Designed by Kids, Built by Community
What makes this playground especially meaningful is how it came to life.
Students from Farrell-Emmett Elementary School played a central role in shaping the design. Multiple grades gathered in Ms. Roose’s classroom to draw their dream playgrounds and share ideas directly with the KaBOOM! team. Their visions included adventurous elements like ziplines, tunnels, and imaginative play spaces.
“We loved that the children had a chance to be part of this project as the experts in the matter,” said schoolteacher Ms. Roose. “Knowing that their creative ideas can turn into a real playground they’ll use every day was incredibly exciting for them.” Those ideas became the foundation for a collaborative design session, where nearly 30 community members gathered to review the children’s drawings and help determine the final features of the playscape.
A Model for Rural Placemaking
The playground will be a community-built playspace, a model championed by KaBOOM! that brings residents together to physically create the spaces they will use—strengthening both infrastructure and relationships.
“This project captures exactly what’s possible when local vision meets the right partners,” said Natacha Hayden, Program Officer for Community Impact at the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. “Our role is to help connect communities like Emmett Township to the philanthropic resources and expertise needed to move their ideas forward – and this playground is a powerful example of that in action.”
The Community Foundation remains deeply committed to supporting small towns and rural communities, where local leaders often have bold ideas but need additional resources and partnerships to bring them to life.
Partners Making It Possible
KaBOOM! is a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that all kids get the play they need to thrive, with a track record of building safe, equitable play spaces across the country.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation supports youth sports and recreation initiatives that improve quality of life and expand access to active play for children and families throughout the southeast Michigan region.
Together, alongside local leadership in Emmett Township and community members, these partners are helping create a space that will serve generations of families.
Join the Build
Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars and be part of this exciting day:
Emmett Township Community Playground Build Day
• July 11
• 8:00 a.m. start time
• Emmett Township Park
Detailed volunteer opportunities will be announced in the near future.
About the Community Foundation of St. Clair County
The Community Foundation of St. Clair County connects people, ideas, and resources to strengthen the region now and for generations to come. Through strategic partnerships and philanthropic leadership, the Foundation supports community-driven projects that enhance quality of life across St. Clair County.
To support rural communities as they continue to build parks, trails, and gathering spaces, email Natacha Hayden at natacha@stclairfoundation.org to learn how you can get involved.