Sept. 9 was a day of celebration for the View Ridge community. After over two years of hard work, the newly renovated playground was dedicated on that sunny, Sunday evening. Local dignitaries including Mayor Paul Schell, King County Councilwoman Cynthia Sullivan, and State Rep. Phyllis Kenney attended the event.

Several families who live close to the park founded the Friends of View Ridge Playfield in 1999. The improvements, which included a new, consolidated play area with new equipment, a shelter, an updated basketball court and some new pathways, were paid for with $250,000 from the City's Cumulative Reserve Fund and a $75,000 grant from the Department of Neighborhoods, which was matched by nearly $80,000 in government and corporate grants and sweat equity gathered by the community.

T.C. Richmond, one of the original members of Friends of View Ridge Playfield, was honored at the dedication with the first View Ridge Community Council Leadership award ever bestowed. Bob Lucas, current president of the View Ridge Community Council, said Richmond was presented with a commemorative glass bowl for "her commitment, dedication and long hours."

"Had it not been for your donations ... I think we would have burnt out," said Richmond to the crowd that had gathered. " We're now a force to be reckoned with because we've woken up to the fact that one group can make a difference."

For more information about View Ridge Playfield, call Pam Kliment with the Parks and Recreation Department at 684-7556.