Kids in Mount Joy have a new place to play, and they have the community as well as Mount Joy Mennonite Church to thank for it.

Creation Park, located at 320 Musser Road, is open dawn to dusk. It was completed in six days by community members who volunteered to construct the site with features designed by kids.

"As a church, we've been dreaming of adding a playground to our property for years," said Jenna Mummau, general coordinator. "This past fall, we had an incredibly generous anonymous donation that made it possible to dream beyond a simple playground."

Seeking to create a place that would serve the church and the entire community, the playground committee discovered the community-build model through Play By Design, which has created other local playgrounds, including Tree House Lititz and the playground at Amos Herr Park.

"Instead of hiring a contractor to install a playground, neighbors, friends and church members would build it together," Mummau shared. "That perfectly aligned with our vision of bringing people together and building community."

In early July, people came out to construct Creation Park, building on advance work that included excavation and gathering materials and tools.

"The workdays went so well! More than 100 volunteers showed up each day of the build," Mummau commented. "The rain was our biggest challenge; we worked so hard to keep our post holes from filling with water and mud. Despite heat, heavy rain and plenty of mud, we stayed ahead of schedule. People of all skill levels worked side by side. Watching so many people take ownership of the project was one of the most rewarding parts of the entire experience."

Built on an open grassy area on the church property, the playground was inspired by God's creation.

"Throughout the playground you'll find themes representing land, sea, sun, stars and animals woven into the design," Mummau said. "It includes large play structures for both younger and older children, climbing features, swings, slides, a dual zipline, nature-inspired play elements and accessible features. ... The playground also features a poured-in-place rubber safety surface and will be fully fenced."

Creation Park's features came from community requests.

"The playground was designed based on the drawings from children and input from parents in our community. Their feedback helped shape many of the features. For example, the double zipline is a direct result of the kids' drawings," Mummau said. "Whether you're visiting for the first time or helped build it yourself, we hope Creation Park becomes one of those places where families love spending time together."

Along with the anonymous donation, the playground was funded by contributions from individuals and businesses who loaned tools, equipment and materials, including Hoober Inc. and Spayd's Industrial, which provided the telehandler and crane.

While Mummau is grateful for the community support that made the playground a reality, she also credits Winston Harris, who served alongside her as general coordinator, and Randy Brubaker, playground lead, with the project's success.

"This project would not have been possible without the dozens of committee members, crew leaders and hundreds of volunteers who gave their time and talents throughout the planning process and build week," she added.

Now she's looking forward to watching kids explore the playground and families enjoy time together at the site.

"While it's located on Mount Joy Mennonite Church's property, our hope is that it becomes a gathering place for families throughout Mount Joy and the surrounding communities," she said. "By bringing people together and encouraging laughter and play, we believe that God will be glorified. That's our goal. We hope Creation Park is a place where everyone feels welcome and experiences the love of Jesus Christ."