Building unity through play

Nestled in the heart of southern Iowa, a new playground now stands as a symbol of teamwork and childhood joy. 

The Little River Lookout, an inclusive, handicap-accessible playground for children ages 2 to 12, represents the immense impact a community of hard-working volunteers can make in a short amount of time. 

Surrounded by rolling fields and situated near the serene Little River Lake that gives the park its name, the playground is more than just a place to enjoy fun and freedom—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion. Over six hot June days, a group of 350 volunteers, fueled by a shared mission to uplift their community, brought to life a playground for Leon, Iowa’s children. 

Existing playgrounds in the area lack adaptations for children with special needs. With nearly 2% of children in the Central Decatur County School District recognized as having a disability, the value of having an inclusive playground was evident to project organizers. 

“It’s important for them to get out and play with their peers, especially in an outdoor environment,” said Taylor Clark, a resident of Leon and general coordinator for the project. “We want to get them back outside.”

With this purpose in mind, Clark and other community members began working to provide an environment where all children in the Leon community could play side-by-side with their peers. 

“We want to see a positive change in the relationships and understanding between children of different learning and physical abilities,” said Kathy Smith, a project manager for the playground.

Little River Lookout’s design, based on feedback from local children and residents, is a direct reflection of the area’s rich agricultural history and outdoor recreation. The intricate structures, including a barn, treehouse, tractor and boat, embody these themes. 

“You look across the Little River Lake, and you see a farm,” Clark said. “We’re an ag-based community, and I think that’s represented well in this playground.” 

The goal was to highlight the agricultural equipment and traditions familiar to a large portion of the community. However, throughout the design process, the committee ran into a few obstacles. One of those was ensuring the accuracy of the layout.

“If we have a tractor, it’s got to look like a tractor!” Smith insisted.

The final design is made up of a variety of components featuring toddler and elementary play areas to engage and inspire children of all abilities. The equipment and structures, such as low-ring monkey bars, zero-entry merry-go-round, a freedom swing and custom communication panels, provide opportunities to enhance motor, sensory and social skills.

With the help of approximately 40 volunteers daily, the playground was constructed through a community-build process from June 10-15. Local organizations and churches pitched in, assisting with construction and providing daily meals for the volunteers and building crew.   

“We started last fall, letting people know the project was going to be a community build,” Clark said. “We asked churches and organizations to announce it and invited them to volunteer.”

As a community service project, MFA Incorporated’s 14 Ag Experience interns traveled to Leon to assist with the playground on the third day of construction. They helped with a diverse set of tasks, spending the day laying weed fabric, spreading gravel, pouring concrete and assembling equipment.

“On our team’s trip to Leon, we really put into action the principles of team spirit and stewardship, focal points of MFA’s values,” said Joshua Cornett, one of this year’s interns. “This trip not only benefited the entire group, it aided in the welfare of the surrounding community.”

“Working with so many other people who share a desire to improve their community was endearing and inspiring,” added Lance Griffith, an MFA intern who also assisted in the building process.

By using county conservation land in the Little River Recreation Area, volunteer labor and donations from local businesses and organizations, the entire town of Leon—and beyond—invested in the future of the area’s youth.

“By doing a community build,” Clark said, “we were able to buy into the project to have a more intricate and grander playground.”

The success of the Little River Lookout park depends on contributions, such as a $2,000 grant from the MFA Incorporated Charitable Foundation. Since its establishment in 2005, the foundation has given more than $2.3 million to local communities where MFA has a presence. In 2023 alone, it donated $77,600 to community projects such as Little River Lookout, promoting agriculture, education and rural development.

The Charitable Foundation’s grant was directed toward purchasing a Volito multi-user swing, which allows children to interact as a team while developing coordination and balance. 

“We appreciate the contribution that MFA has made to this project,” Clark says. “This area will be enjoyed by kids in our community for years to come.”

As the sun set on the evening of Sunday, June 30, laughter echoed from Little River Lookout, as children, their families and Leon residents enjoyed the grand opening of the playground. Visitors are welcome to experience Little River Lookout, which committee members say they hope will nurture friendships, encourage inclusivity and support the growth of young minds for years to come.

“I think it’s a great asset to Leon and the Little River Recreation Area to provide families with a new option for fun,” said Claire Carpenter, an MFA intern and resident of nearby Millerton, Iowa. “I’ve heard lots of positive feedback, and I believe it will continue to be a light in the county.”

The Little River Lookout playground is now serving as a space where all children can interact and socialize, and it has already fostered unity and built bonds for those who shared their time during construction, including the MFA intern group.

“Volunteering with my fellow interns was a profound experience in shared purpose. It was energizing to witness how we came together, driven by a desire to accomplish a large task, and infused positivity and motivation into a community when it needed it most,” said Abby Shaffer, an MFA intern. “This project strengthened our bonds as a team, reminding us of the power of collective effort and compassion.”    

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