Volunteers Needed To Help Build The Playground By The Sound In September

University Place's dream playground will become reality in late September.

Organizers behind the effort announced at the University Place City Council meeting this week that the structure - which will be located at the area of Chambers Creek Properties - is scheduled for construction Sept. 20 to Sept. 25.

"We are going to be able to build this," said former Mayor Linda Bird, one of the supporters behind the project.

"This is going to be kind of like an old-fashion barn-raising," she added.

Now, playground supporters are looking for volunteers to help build it, and they say they'll take all skill levels. Whether volunteers want to help lead construction or simply want to pass out water to volunteers, their help is needed.

Those interested in volunteering time, tools or giving money can do so by visiting the Playground by the Sound website here.

The Playground by the Sound effort got a big boost at the beginning of the year when it won some $60,000 in grants. To date, organizers have generated $142,000 of the $164,000 needed for construction.

They predict, however, that they'll reach their fund-rasing goal.

As construction nears, more details about the playground's elements are emerging, including features such as an imaginary crab shack, boats and shaded benches.