The Christiana Lions Club recently installed new playground equipment at the Lions Community Park, 325 N. Bridge St., Christiana. The playground was made possible through a donation by Lions Club member Steve Shivery in honor of his late mother, Barbara Lou Shivery, who loved to visit the park and watch her children play.

Because it was a rainy day, the dedication ceremony on April 30 was moved indoors into the Lions Club building. In attendance at the event were members of the Shivery family, including Steve's daughter, Grace, who assisted with the project; Steve's sisters, Beverly Runk and Angie Wallace; and Barbara's husband, Paul.

"(Barbara) was ready and willing to help anyone any way she could," said Steve's wife, Jewel, during the ceremony. "Her love of Christiana has been carried on in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and it is in her honor that we dedicate this playground today."

The three siblings then unveiled a sign that will be placed at the playground. It reads, "This playground dedicated in memory of Barbara Lou Shivery (1937-1989) for the children of Christiana and her own great-grandchildren who play here."

Lions Club third vice president Ben Scheffel explained that the new playground equipment, which features multiple sliding boards and a climbing wall, was installed by King's Swings.

"Rubber matting (was added for safety) because they wanted it to last a long time," Scheffel said. "Steve, who owns Shivery Funeral Home, had some young men that work on his team, and they did a lot of the grounds work, planted grass seed and hauled in dirt (after the installation)."

All those in attendance agreed that Barbara would have been very pleased with the playground. "She loved the park. She took her kids there. She loved the playground," said Scheffel.

The rain held off long enough to allow the children to enjoy the new playground after the dedication. "We had a break in the weather. Everything was wet, but they were dying to get on and play," Scheffel said.

"It's a wonderful thing in our community when we come together and try to make it better for these generations coming up," added Jim Groff, the club's membership chairperson and historian.

For more information about the Lions Club and to view additional photos of the ceremony, visit http://www.facebook.com/ChristianaLions Club.