Buchanan Residents to Build Playground Together June 23-24

The city of Buchanan, Michigan is turning playground construction into a community celebration on June 23-24, when residents will gather to build new equipment at Kathryn Park together.

Mayor Mark Weedon says the project is about more than installing swings and slides. "It is an opportunity for residents to help build something together that will benefit children, families and the entire community," he explained in a recent announcement.

The community build will be led by an experienced supervisor from Sinclair Recreation, so no tools or construction know-how are required. Volunteers just need to show up ready for outdoor work, and the city will provide lunch, water and snacks to keep everyone energized.

Kathryn Park has been a neighborhood favorite for decades, located right next to Moccasin Elementary School at 315 Moccasin Street. The park is named after Kathryn Kingery, a Buchanan resident who campaigned and fundraised extensively in the 1920s to create a dedicated play space for local children.

That community spirit has continued through the years, with the park hosting summer reading programs from the Buchanan District Library and serving as a gathering spot for families. Now the city is investing in accessible, enjoyable public spaces by upgrading the playground equipment.

The Ripple Effect

When communities build together, the benefits extend far beyond the physical structure. Volunteers working side by side strengthen neighborhood bonds and create shared ownership of public spaces.

Children who visit Kathryn Park in coming years will play on equipment their neighbors installed with their own hands. Parents will connect with other families while their kids climb and swing, building the kind of casual community connections that make neighborhoods feel like home.

The park's proximity to the elementary school means students will benefit daily from the upgraded equipment, with a safe place to burn energy and develop physical skills.

Volunteers ages 16 and older can participate on either or both days of the build. Registration is open now through an online form, making it easy for anyone interested to claim their spot in this community effort.

One weekend, dozens of helping hands, and a playground that will serve Buchanan families for years to come.