“We hope people see this as proof that when a community comes together around a shared vision, it can create something truly lasting.” – Griese Playground Renovation Fundraising Team
Two years ago, an idea for a Griese playground renovation prompted a tenacious group of volunteers to bring an entire community together around a beloved park. The original Griese playground (the “Dragon Marsh”, circa 2000) had been developed as a whimsical wooden structure with traditional swings and slides and an extensive obstacle course by a past Leadership Marshfield group.
The playground was well-loved, but nearing its intended lifespan. A 2025 Leadership Marshfield group was immediately drawn to the idea and expansion in order to create a new, lasting structure that was more sizable, accessible, and inclusive. The group, Abby Meyer, Bill Thomas, Connie Michalski, and Lindsey Safford, committed themselves to the new Griese Playground. Through long hours, community support, and a project fund to house the fundraising campaign at the Marshfield Area Community Foundation, the “Forward Fun Zone” came to fruition.
The group’s original goal was to improve the existing playground, but upon learning that the equipment no longer met current standards and could not simply be renovated, members worked with City of Marshfield Parks and Recreation staff to identify solutions which led to both all new equipment and a more suitable site central to Griese Park and the heavily-used soccer fields. From there, the project’s finer details took shape.
“We wanted to focus on something for kids in the community, something that would get them away from tablets and phones, outside playing with one another and getting exercise,” Lindsey shared.
The group envisioned a space that more families could enjoy together. The new location provided the space needed for accessible ramped structures and better visibility for caregivers juggling children between it and the game fields.
“We didn’t want to just replace what was there. We wanted to create something inclusive, with room for children and families of all abilities to use it together,” Abby added.
The group has heard stories of gratitude and have watched several people use the playground who haven’t been able to in the past. A parent of a child with a disability noted that the former playground was difficult to use; now, the family can walk to Griese Park and all four of their children can play together. The group also reflected on a woman at the playground ribbon cutting using a wheelchair to travel up the ramps, grinning broadly–a pivotal summation of hard fundraising hours fully worth it.
“Seeing families use the playground together has shown us how meaningful that decision was,” Bill said with a reflective smile. Lindsey added, “I think we all had tears in our eyes at that point.”
The project was possible due to focused volunteer effort guided by fundraising consulting, which allowed a grassroots group to accelerate a challenging undertaking. Consultants counseled them to first focus on securing a few significant early gifts before inviting broader community participation. Their initial $500,000 goal was reached within a few months. The group described being “completely blown away” by the generosity they encountered in the Marshfield area—from major donors who helped launch the campaign to many individuals who contributed $10 or $20 simply because they wanted to be part of creating something lasting for local children and families.
Partnering with the Marshfield Area Community Foundation stabilized and simplified their fundraising process from the start. As Bill stated, “The Foundation gave people confidence. Donors knew their gifts were going to an established organization, that they would receive tax documentation and that the funds were being managed responsibly.”
“This whole playground concept was bigger than all of us,” Lindsey reflected. “It was possible because the community pitched in, saw the vision and believed that we could do it.” Abby added, “This is a gift to the community. Not just for children today, but for families who will make memories here for years to come.”
“More than a playground; it is a place where memories will be made, friendships will grow, and children will simply get to be children,” Connie reflected.
The completed playground has become a regular destination for families, standing as a reminder of what can happen when community members bring forward an idea, local partners provide expertise, and donors invest in a shared vision. It is a place built for movement, imagination, and connection; a lasting gift to the community.
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