JACKSON, Wyo. — On Monday, Aug. 25, at 5 p.m., Town of Jackson officials, parents and approximately 150 children showed up for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening of the newly rebuilt Mike Yokel Park playground on East Kelly Ave.
County Chairwoman Natalia Macker was on hand to mark the occasion, noting that the Parkside at Benson-Brown Station affordable housing project was being constructed adjacent to the new playground.
“Spaces like this make it possible for us to have really affordable housing developments nearby,” Macker told the crowd. “It’s a great open space for kids, but it is also a community builder, connector for parents and place for multi-generations to come together in a safe place.”
Teton County Parks and Recreation (Parks & Rec) Project Manager Max Moran told Buckrail that the design team worked to create something different, utilizing a variety of surfaces and heights. Moran said that the goal was to create levels of play progression, so the playground would appeal to children of all ages.
“We did a lot of research,” Moran said. “Studies show that as you elevate the level of play, so does creativity and collaboration.”
Parks & Rec Superintendent Andrew Erskine addressed the waiting crowd, saying that he was excited to see Mike Yokel reach the finish line. Erskine stressed the importance of play to help teach children to step outside their boundaries, build relationships and pick themselves up after falling.
“This playground is a one-of-a-kind playground,” Erskine said. “We have likened it to the most difficult Ikea builds that you have ever thought of, without all of the instructions.”
Mayor Arne Jorgensen also touted the playground’s unique design features, including its accessibility and durability.
“I am intrigued by the zip line, the rope bridges and the towers,” Jorgensen said. “When the kids are done with it, I may sneak over tonight to take advantage of it myself.”
County Commissioner Luther Propst shared with Buckrail that his elementary school playground paled in comparison, because the equipment was not thoughtfully designed.
“We just hurt ourselves all the time,” Propst said. “This is much safer.”
Propst applauded the Brent and Shelby Belote Foundation, Parks & Rec and partnering stakeholders for helping to make the playground a reality. According to the Belotes, their foundation donated $500,000 to the project, with Teton County covering approximately $70,000 to bridge the gap. Shelby Pollard Belote told Buckrail that the “state-of-the-art playground,” which was inspired by her children, has been two years in the making.
After commending the children for their patience, Jorgensen invited everyone to join the ribbon cutting.
Some children stood in a line behind the ribbon, staring at the playground, while others impatiently ducked the partition to begin climbing on the tall towers. Once Brent Belote used the pair of oversized scissors to cut the ribbon, all the children ran toward the zip line, slides, tunnels and spinning features in eager excitement.
Timmothy Patterson, a parent who grew up in Jackson, told Buckrail that he took the first adult ride down the three-story, spiral slide.
“It was a smooth ride,” Patterson said. “The clearance was quite low but still enjoyable. The number of twirls is unmatched.”
