Kids get the chance to design their own Round Lake playground

Race tracks, rock climbing walls and trampolines were just some of the things on the wish list.

Wednesday's Design Dream Playground event in Round Lake gave parents and kids of all ages the opportunity to help design a playground that will be built at Nicasa's headquarters at 31979 Fish Lake Road in September.

"We wanted to participate in a fun adventure," said parent Kim Nelson, who brought her three young children with her. "We know what we want: big swings sets, lots of colors. Kids are a great resource for a playground."

The event was organized by Nicasa, a nonprofit group offering counseling and other services, and KaBOOM!, which builds playgrounds for communities across the country. The nonprofit organization's mission is for every kid to have a place to play.

That's exactly what Sam Bodmer wants, though she won't need it for a while.

"I want him to have a place to play when he's older," said Bodmer, who brought along her 9-month-old son, Chase.

The day began with the kids, who were referred to as "play experts," drawing whatever they wanted to be in their playground. Then the adults met and put together a wish list of what they want in the playground, taking the kids' suggestions into consideration.

"I wanted to support this event and support the playground," said parent Pam London, who brought along some of her nieces and nephews, too.

Discover Financial Services is funding the majority of the project. The total cost of the playground has not been determined.

Nicasa worked with KaBOOM! on a similar project in 2007.

Nicasa hopes the playground will be a fun place for kids to play while waiting for family members who attend Nicasa's programs.

"For a lot of them it's a unique opportunity to have a safe place that's new and bright. Where they can forget their troubles and just be kids," said Christel Tatro, who works at Nicasa.

The playground will be built by volunteers in one day, Sept. 25, at Nicasa.