The Dream Playground in Port Angeles may have been horrifically burned yesterday morning, but the hope, determination, and support of the community to figure out what to do next, has been overwhelming.

In a statement released by the Dream Playground Foundation yesterday, they state:

​“Bad things happen sometimes.  Thousands of donations and hundreds of hands built a playground that is loved and used so heavily by our kids and community, and this morning we awoke to find much of it destroyed by fire.  We are all just in grief and shock, because it is more than a playground; it’s a statement about who we are as a community, and about where our priorities lie.

It feels like we’ve lost a loved one.  But unlike that kind of unrecoverable loss, structures can live again.  We are lucky to have a town full of giving and caring neighbors who know how to build and make good things happen.  Our playground will be back and better than ever.  We are already preparing ways to work closely with local organizations and city officials to develop a coordinated plan for the recovery and rebuilding of the Dream Playground.”

The Port Angeles Dream Playground was originally built over 5 days in September of 2002, by more than two-thousand volunteers with tools and equipment loaned by the community.

The current, award winning version, known as Generation II Dream Playground, was built in the summer of 2021, when volunteers replaced the aging wooden structures and wood chip ground covering, with one of the safest, best designed, and most inclusive playgrounds in the state.

Port Angeles Mayor Kate Dexter also released a statement yesterday.  She says, “Today weighs heavy on the hearts of many in Port Angeles, particularly those who helped to build the Dream Playground and the families whose children love to play there.  The Dream Playground is not only an amazing community gathering place, it is also a tangible example of all that is good in Port Angeles.  I want to thank PA Fire and Clallam Fire District #2 for their response.  Thank you also to our Parks and Recreation staff for their thoughtful stewardship of all our parks.  They, especially, know how much this park means to our community.  I look forward to working with the City staff to rebuild as soon as we can.”

The Port Angeles Dream Playground has set up a portal on their website for those who would like to donate to the rebuilding of this iconic community landmark.  CLICK HERE to give.

Photo taken from the Dream Playground Social Media Page