Volunteers Sought to Help Build New Valley Park for Youth In Need

A group of Valley charities has come together to help create a place for in-need youth to play outside and take part in extra curricular activities-- but they still need your help to make it all happen as planned.

Spearheaded by the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, The Humana Callenge Golf Tournament, Family YMCA of the Desert and KaBOOM!, the project involves building a 2,800 square foot park and community garden from practically nothing in just one day's time.

The above organizations and volunteers from the community will join forces this Saturday, Dec. 1 at the low-income hosing complex of Coachella Las Casas at 51600 Tyler St. to make the project a reality, according to Nadia Villagrán of the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition.

The plan is to build the park in just six hours, and "raise the barn" with the community.

As of Monday afternoon, 185 people had signed up to volunteer with the construction project-- but 250 people are needed to make the playground come to fruition, Villagrán told Palm Desert Patch.  She urged anyone interested in helping out to sign up or show up on Saturday-- even if you can only go for a few hours.  Call the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (800) 689-4663 to sign up.

Villagrán estimates that some 500 kids will benefit from the new playground, for which financial support has come from the Humana Challenge.

"The Humana Foundation is proud to help create a lasting neighborhood legacy that promotes healthy play and well-being,"  a press release for the building event reads.  "The unique space will have a new community garden to encourage a healthy diet– as well as more traditional, kid-friendly playground equipment to build a truly multi-generational space. The project will also create an area to inspire family picnics and get-togethers for years to come."

As for Palm Desert-based Family YMCA of the Desert, they say they'll also benefit greatly from the new park, as they'll be able to run some of their after school activities at the location.

“We can’t tell you how excited you are,” said YMCA spokeswoman Terri Bona.   “All these people working together, it’s pretty cool.”