By Cheryl Thornburg   Courtesy Photos by credited photographers. 

They didn’t quite have to move mountains, but the volunteers who dismantled, transported and re-installed the playground equipment at Glenwood Community Park accomplished a monumental task.

The equipment was originally installed at Glenwood Elementary School and served its students until 2017 when it closed due to insufficient enrollment.

With the school shuttered, the playground stood mostly unused and unmaintained and the Glenwood Woman’s Club began to explore the possibility of relocating the equipment. It took years of research, working with government and school officials and organizations, but this year the project finally became a reality.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Thursday Nov. 14 with many of the volunteers present to watch an excited bunch of children test out the new playground.

Lance Huff, chairman of the Park Board welcomed everyone to the event, thanking the volunteers for their hard work.

Among those who made this happen are Frank Christensen, Rod Harlin, Becky Harlin, Flint Wallace, Jeff Ross, Len Mason, Dan Philo, Tammy Christensen, Haydn Forward, Howard Hutchinson, Hugh Faust, Jim Parr, Rob Overacker, Tom Holman, Jim Osler, John Murphy, Norm Moulton and County road workers. Local residents and businesses also contributed with cash donations, equipment and supplies.

County Commissioner Haydn Forward spoke for county officials at the ribbon cutting ceremony, “It is difficult to fully express the pride Catron County Government has in the residents of Alma and Glenwood, who through their time and donations organized and completed the full installation of this modern and child friendly playground equipment. Catron County Government see’s this $100,000 upgrade to the Glenwood Park as a beginning to the additional modernization plans of the park facilities in support recreation, tourism and our local rural activities. We thank the Reserve School Board’s generosity in donating the equipment and our many residents who delivered over 350 hours in personal time and those individuals who donated funds in support of this special community upgrade.”

The playground now features a bright blue slide complex with both open and enclosed slides and climbing features as well as a zip line, new swings and a teeter-totter.

This upgraded playground adds a new dimension to the family friendly park with its shady trees, pavillion and ballfield. It is used for many community events like dances and the annual Dutch Oven Gathering in April and 4th of July activities and fireworks. It is located on Catwalk Road off of Route 180 in Glenwood.

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