Ages 3-7
1st –
Elizabeth Siemion, age 7
“It means this to me
about having a new community playground in Soldotna. It means a lot to
everyone even me for all of the kids to have fun together. Kids would
help and support each other during problems. To let the kids have tons
of fun. It’s a good plan to have two sections for little kids and big
kids so the little kids won’t be so afraid of the big kids around them
and them getting hurt. All of us are really excited for the new
playground and I will congratulate whoever wins with their essay. It
will mean a lot to me to see all of the toys and people and make new
friends and have fun with them and play fun games. I’m just so excited
to play on the big toys and so is everybody else to play on them too.”
2nd – Miah
Mead, age 4
“I would like a new
slide and you can play on the bridge if there was one. You can pretend
the water. My dad could catch Jace (brother) going down the slide, or if
he was too scared I could go with him too. I also like doing the monkey
bars, but even if I can’t do them by myself I can still try and that’s
good enough.”
Ages 8-12
1st –
Ashlyn Johnson, age 11
“Community means being
together helping each other hand-in-hand, making sure all is okay, not
just singling anyone out. I am writing this today because I am a part of
the Soldotna community. The new playground will be there grounded for
everyone allowing them to have a wonderful, playful time. And that’s why
a playground is important. With the help of the community all the work
will soon be enjoyed. It’s very important to have a new playground and
fun too. When our friendships unite we are the Soldotna community
playground not just a playground. It takes a good community to build a
good playground.”
2nd –
Ashley Martin, age 11
“Having a new
playground in Soldotna could promote things for our community such as a
walk for a cure, trash pick up day, etc. Kids could go to the park after
school, bring a snack and stay for a couple of hours. The park could
hold birthday parties, treasure hunts or just about anything. Having a
park here in Soldotna would mean a lot to this community, and the people
in it young or old. They could make a small eating area and a skate park
and a swing set. Things in the park like that could benefit our town and
that’s what a new community playground would mean to me.”
Ages 13-17
1st –
Madeline Ransom, age 15
“Like many people in
the community, I am excited about the new playground. To me, the
playground is not only a safe, fun place for children, but also a key
part of a vibrant community. When a community helps to build something
the ownership they gain adds to its appeal. Many of our youth leave this
area after high school. A welcoming playground attracts families with
children. The new playground will be another great thing that keeps
people here and brings new generations to our town, helping to ensure
its survival. The children that will be playing on this playground are
the future adults of this area. Many of them will have families here.
The new playground isn’t just a playground, it is a magnet, drawing
people in and keeping them here.”
2nd – Kyle
Kanrowski, age 14
“The Soldotna park is
just not a park, it’s the symbol of Soldotna. That park was a place that
I loved and still do! During the summer visitors come there and their
children play there. I want more people to come to Soldotna and see that
this is a nice town and for them to come back some day. The Soldotna
park is not just a homey park, it is a park that brings happiness to all
that go there and to the people that live here. Someday when I have kids
I want them to be safe at a safe place where that brings happiness. The
community works too hard to try to make this town a nice place.
Everywhere I go I pick up trash. I care about this town I have lived in
for 14 years and I hope this town never changes. I love this town and I
hope you do to.”
