Impoverished Fresno neighborhood to get new playground built

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Many kids in our poorer neighborhoods need a safe place to play and stay active. A small playground used by preschoolers will soon make way for something much bigger.

A dream playground is coming to Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries. FIRM is a non-profit which serves immigrant families from Southeast Asia, Russia, and Africa. "This will include not only a children's playground but adult fitness equipment as well. And also, we'll provide things like benches, artwork maybe. Other things that make this an attractive place for the community," said Zach Darrah, executive director.

National non-profit Kaboom has helped build several playgrounds in impoverished communities around the Valley. Their next one will be located on this grassy area at FIRM. "We've already been getting drawings from the first day we mentioned it about 'here's what I want there to be' and the kids are so excited for this. That's what makes this all worthwhile," said Darrah.

Kaiser Permanente is funding the project located across the street from Summerset Village. An apartment complex where residents had to do without heat and hot water this winter. "We know that many of the families in that neighborhood don't have access to a playground and a safe place to play, so we want to make sure these families have the same opportunity to stay healthy," said Dr. Aimee Simbre, Kaiser Permanente Pediatrician.

The shaded playground is scheduled to be completed April 23rd.