Brooklyn's Playground

Have you ever wondered what a perfect moment looks like?

It looks like this:

Not a care in the world... just a moment of laughter and happiness.  Isn't childhood supposed to be filled with moments just like this one?  But have you ever wondered what it took to make this moment possible?  Probably not... but thanks to my Dad, my children were able learn a little bit about the compassion and effort of a small town that made this moment possible for them.

My hometown of Pocatello, Idaho recently pulled together to raise over $800,000 dollars for the building of a park that would allow children with all abilities to play together... an exceptional accomplishment in a down economy when businesses are failing and pocketbooks are slim.  It's quite a story... and I'm proud to say that my dad is a main character.

My father, Arlo Luke, has lived an extrodinary life… a life filled with hard work, talent, opportunity, adventure, posterity, faithfulness, devotion… and most importantly, influence.  He stands at a mere 5’4’’ tall, yet something about his presence is very large.  I’m not sure what it is exactly… perhaps it’s his passion for life… or maybe it’s his dramatic way of expressing himself… but whatever it is… this man has always stood very tall.  My entire life, I’ve watched my father make amazing things happen.  Whether it be his service in Boy Scouts, his company, his community, or the church, my dad has been instrumental in creation and lasting change.   His latest venture, “Brooklyn’s Playground,” is yet another creation he's personally pushed and shaped that will now bless the residents of Pocatello forever... as well as his own grandchildren and great grandchildren when they stop by to play.

"Brooklyn's Playground" was built in honor of a Pocatello family's 5-year-old daughter who was born with spina bifida.  While playing with her cousins at a park, Brooklyn Fisher fell and suffered a concussion.  Her family realized that there was simply no safe place for their child to play.  And Brooklyn is not alone.  Over 11% of children in Pocatello have a disability... that 3,000 children with no place to play.  This heartfelt story captured the hearts of Pocatello residents--inspiring fun runs, lemonade stands, grants, business donations, personal donations, bake sells, garage sells, carnivals… all donating their proceeds to the building of Brooklyn's Playground.

Brooklyn just happened to be at the park playing the night we visited!

It was like meeting a celebrity!

Once the money had been raised, the literal design and building of the park was accomplished through the service of sports teams, youth church groups, elementary children, disabled men and women... anyone who was willing to pull on some work gloves and dig in.

Five hundred to eight hundred people volunteered everyday during Build Week.  Forty different organizations and churches took turns feeding these volunteers three times a day... Wow!

This tractor was painted by my Dad.  Fun fact:  My savvy Dad got the John Deere company to donate $5,000 to the park in exchange for the tractor to be painted yellow and green!  Nice one, Dad!

The park was filled with Pocatello history and heritage.

A homage to Chief Poky himself!

The park was enormous!  It felt more like a "destination."  I literally lost my kids in there... that's one big park!  I don't even think they got a chance to explore everything there. 

 Everything was handicap accessible...

A high and low set of monkey bars.

My boys' favorite toy at the park... the dangerous one.

What a beautiful site... children in chairs and children not... playing side by side.

Thank you, Grandpa Luke, for a family night of learning, understanding... and play!

We love you!!