The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON - The Downtown Dayton Playground Project received a boon this past week in the form of a $3,500 grant from the Pacific Power Foundation.

Grant funds will be used to help purchase a muchanticipated children's play structure in the parking lot along East Commercial Street, next to the Dayton Historic Depot.

"Pacific Power is excited to be part of the playground project, which will make downtown Dayton more inviting to young families," said Bill Clemens, Pacific Power's regional community manager. The Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations in communities served by Pacific Power.

The new downtown playground is a project of the Dayton Development Task Force. Jessica Atwood, who is co-chair of the Task Force's playground committee, said the group is making good progress toward its fund-raising goal of at least $50,000.

"The grant from Pacific Power is a big step forward for us," said Atwood. "We appreciate their support so much."

Last month, Dayton city officials approved the site for the new playground, which will be constructed this summer and fall on the city-owned property.

The 80 by 50 foot, fenced structure will take up five parking spaces in the graveled, public parking lot. The multilevel play area, including swings, a climbing web, slides and more, is intended to draw visitors and residents alike.

City Councilor Merle Jackson, who is also on the Task Force board, is heading a committee to design a proposal for bathrooms to be located near the playground site. This was of particular interest - and concern - among city leaders in Dayton.

"But bathrooms are part of phase two, so they haven't really addressed that yet" City Councilor Christine Broughton said in March.

Once completed, the Task Force plans to gift the playground to the city, and the Dayton Kiwanis Club has offered to maintain it. In the service club's honor, the new play area will be called the Kiwanis Playground.

Supporters plan to have construction complete by October of this year. Once organizers have decided on specific playground equipment, they will take a new proposal to the city council.

Playground organizers are still accepting donations. Supporters can purchase fence pickets engraved with their names for $35 each, but time is running short for making those donations.

To find out more, visit www.daytonplayground.org or call Breland at 382-2565.