BROOKINGS Drive by Lions Park along Medary Avenue in central Brookings and youll likely see children playing on the family of lions a recent addition to the park.
Noah Sandersons 3-year-old son Everett is one of those. Everett loves playing on the new lions, said Noah. He likes me to sit on the big lion while he plays on one of the smaller ones. Were thankful to everyone who made the new playground possible.
Thats just what Lance and Abbey Howard dreamed of when they envisioned Trumans Lions Den playground in memory of their son Truman, who died in 2020 after a long, courageous battle with cancer when he was 4 years old.
Our hope is that other children in our community will have a chance to visit the park and find that special magic that only a park can bring, said Trumans mother, Abbey.
The new playground, designed for children ages 2 to 5, includes a family of lions to climb and sit on, as well as rock-climbing structure, sand play area, new fencing and a bench. The playground equipment is designed to build motor skills and social-emotional skills through play.
The Lions Den, sand play area, fence and sign were made possible by a donation from Lance and Abbey.
Our son, Truman, always loved parks, said Abbey. When he was diagnosed with cancer in 2019, our lives revolved around hospital stays and treatment. When we were home and he was feeling up to it, one thing that he loved doing and helped him feel normal was playing at parks. When cancer impacted his ability to walk, being able to sit and play and create and build in a sand box was a treat. After our sweet boy died in 2020, we knew we would like to give back to a park in Brookings in his honor.
Truman would have celebrated hiseighth birthday on Dec. 9. Trumans Lions Den playground opened in November.
The Howards selected the lion-theme playground in Lions Park for a couple reasons.
Trumans father, Lance, and grandfather, Rich Howard, are lifelong members of the Brookings Lions Club.
Trumans favorite animal was the lion, so Lions Park seemed like an appropriate fit, said Lance. Collaborating with the Brookings Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department and Artisan Concrete Concepts of Volga, we were able to conceptualize the idea of Trumans Lions Den a space for kids to play, dream, create, and imagine.
Mayor Ope Niemeyer said Trumans Lions Den playground is a welcomed addition to the Lions Park.
The city of Brookings is grateful to the Howard family for their vision and gift to make the new playground a reality. I had the pleasure of knowing Truman. I still have fond memories of greeting him at church on Sunday mornings. Seeing Truman was one of the highlights of my week. He was a wonderful young man, said Niemeyer.
The Lions Park is a great place for families to gather, he continued. Trumans Lions Den playground is already bringing a lot of fun to children, ensuring that Trumans memory lives on. I hope parents will tell their children about Truman and his love for lions, parks, people, and life.
Lions Park is situated off of Medary Avenue to the north and west of the railroad tracks near Orchard Drive and First Street. Access and parking are in the alley. Trumans Lions Den playground is adjacent to the parks baseball court and a playground designed for children ages 5 to 12.
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