Teacher organized park's construction

MOSES LAKE - Larson Heights Elementary School teacher Tara Childs received a plaque Friday from Grant County Commissioners for her success in fulfilling a dream.

Childs received the Above and Beyond Recognition Award for her work organizing the construction of Gen. James H. Doolittle Park in Moses Lake. The award was presented by Commissioners LeRoy Allison and Richard Stevens at an assembly.

"It's special to get recognized for a year and a half of really hard work," Childs said after the presentation.

Allison said Childs was the "moving force" behind the park's construction. The 12,000 square-foot park was constructed by volunteers from March 26 to March 30.

"We just thought it would be a good thing to recognize her efforts," Allison said.

Allison and Stevens both contributed to the park - Stevens purchased personalized fence pickets, and Allison purchased pickets and built a xylophone out of pipes.

Now that the county has the park's layout, construction can begin on a sidewalk running from the west side past the park's entrance to Patton Boulevard, Allison said.

"When you have a passion, you can do something about it," Childs told the students at the assembly. "Don't say 'No, I can't.' Say, 'Yes, I can.'"

Many students raised their hands when Childs asked about their involvement with the park. Students also came up with ideas for keeping the park in good condition.

She said after the meeting there might be a child who makes a bad choice impacting the park.

"The kids who helped build it will protect it," she said.