Ribbon-cutting held for Lamson Woods playscape

FAIRFIELD – A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday, Oct. 18 to commemorate the opening of the playscape at Lamson Woods State Preserve in Fairfield.

The series of play structures including swings and climbing apparatuses was donated by the Dowd family of Fairfield, who owns Cado Avocado Ice Cream. Every year, the company gives to an organization called One Percent for the Planet, which directs 1 percent of a company’s proceeds to environmental causes. This year, the Dowd family chose to direct their contribution to a local project, partnering with the Jefferson County Trails Council and to build a new playground in what was previously just a patch of grass at Lamson Woods.

Stephen Pedrick of the Jefferson County Trails Council noted that, during the construction phase, the contractor discovered concrete underground that was left behind by the old sewer plant that once stood there. Pedrick said they had to redesign a few things on the fly, but the contractor was able to adapt. Partner Construction LLC, owned by John Loin, was hired to install the play structures. Phil Myers did the excavating. The Greater Jefferson County Foundation contributed a $15,000 grant to purchase the playground equipment.

Planning on the playscape began two years ago, and construction began in June. In September, construction was finished and the public was invited to begin using the equipment.

At Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, Pedrick thanked the Dowd family members including Deb Dowd and her children Jack Dowd and Meghan Dowd Robbins, and the other individuals and entities who helped with the project. Pedrick thanked the members of the committee responsible for planning the project, which included Meghan Dowd Robbins, Darin Dowd, Stephanie Wharton, Kimberly Broz and himself.

Fairfield Mayor Connie Boyer was present for the ribbon-cutting, and thanked the Dowd family for their generous donation.

“This is a testament to the power of collaboration and charity from a family that is thinking of Fairfield and wants to give back,” Boyer said. “These are major contributions to the community that are felt for generations to come. This will be here for a long time, and families are going to have a lot of fun.”

The Fairfield Elks recently made another upgrade to Lamson Woods by planting trees around the perimeter of the playground last week.

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com