A playground and more

A new playground is ready and waiting for kids to come give it a try at Giese Park in Baxter. A project of Baxter Early Learning Center, the playground, located at 208 E. Station St., is the first installation in Baxter Hometown Pride’s park beautification plan.

“It was a labor of love, we had a great time doing it,” BELC Board Member Kelly Maher said. ‘We’re happy it turned out so well.”

The playground includes four swings, three slides, a climbing wall, a 75 ft. zipline and a variety of musical instruments. Further plans including a shelter, which is currently construction, a splash pad, amphitheater, nature play and camping sites are currently being fundraised for to be added to the park.

BELC, previously Kid-Ville, is a non-profit childcare and preschool center, founded in 1990 and supported by the community for many years to help develop children’s social skills, emotional growth and prepare them for kindergarten in a loving environment. BELC sold to Growing Greatness Learning Center in 2021, but continues to work to find ways to give back to the community and the children who live in it.

For more information about the Giese Park project www.baxter-iowa.com/hometown-pride.