Work Begins On New Playground At McKinley Park

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - It's been almost a year since the McKinley Park playground burned to the ground at the hands of an arsonist. But rebuilding begins today.

Hundreds of volunteers came together to help rebuild the playground. And throughout this week, 2,000 volunteers will donate time, tools and put their heart into the new structure.

"Right now we're digging holes so the cement can be filled in and the posts can be stabilized," said a volunteer.

They're working in one of three shifts each day, with plans to have it filled with kids in just a few weeks.

"It's astounding; it's great to see," said Kathy Schulz, playground steering committee coordinator.

It will have a unique new look.

"It will have new, synthetic materials that are stronger should last longer, less maintenance," said Sacramento city councilmember Steve Cohn.

The design came together with the help of some East Sacramento kids.

"We visited half-a-dozen schools in East Sacramento and midtown and asked kids what their favorite things are about a playground," said Schulz.

Now, nine of their 10 favorites have been approved for this park. They are just waiting out the week to start making new memories.

"It's very motivational seeing this community come together," said a volunteer.

The playground structure will be finished by this time next week.

There are some inspections and finishing touches that need to be done, so it will likely be the middle of June before kids will be able to use the whole playground.