Student-athletes from the Ferris State University ice hockey and football teams, along
with members of the Big Rapids High School varsity boys’ hockey team, collaborated
to work on a Playscape maintenance project in Big Rapids at Hemlock Park on Monday,
June 20.
The student-athletes were among more than 50 individuals to participate in the landscaping project. The Playscape facility, built 19 years ago, received a “makeover” of sorts as at least a foot deep of special finely-shredded mulch was evenly spread throughout the playground to address the top priority of safety for the children. The 140-cubic feet of mulch was donated by the Friends of Playscape and the city of Big Rapids.
Lowe’s Home Improvement was also an active participant in this year’s Playscape project with a landscape donation of flowers and shrubs along the facility's exterior fence. Employees from Lowe’s also volunteered their services in the project.
“We’re very appreciative of those who volunteered their time and efforts in this project," said Leslie Daniels, chairperson of Big Rapids Playscape. “Everyone worked exceptionally hard to see this project through to its completion.”
“What a great experience this is for our student-athletes to give back to the community,” said Ferris State hockey head coach Bob Daniels. “The cross cooperation of those teams (hockey and football) involved built a lot of camaraderie among the groups. It was gratifying to see a lot of people come together for this community event to help children and also give back to the local community.”