Playground to be installed in memory of toddler son of Coleridge natives

WAUSA – Plans are in progress to purchase and install playground equipment in memory of a little boy from Wausa who left the world too soon.

A Wausa committee started planning for a memorial playground at the village’s Gladstone Park in honor of Payne Haberer shortly after the 2-year-old died on Aug. 15, 2022. He was the son of Coleridge natives Chris and Heidi (Hefner) Haberer.

“We began discussing ways we could utilize funds we had to create something that everyone in our community could enjoy and remember this sweet boy,” committee member Kendra Suhr said. “We plan to name the playground ‘Payne’s Playground.’” The idea for the memorial playground came about after committee members had been working with American Playground & Recreation of Sioux Falls, S.D., on a different project.

“We had seen they offered a barn-themed climber and immediately knew this would be a perfect fit,” Kendra said. “Our committee, along with so many in our community, knew the love Payne had for all things farm-related.

“Shortly after he had passed away, we decided we needed to start discussing how we could implement this feature into our local park,” she said.

Payne’s parents, Chris and Heidi, first learned about the playground project on Oct. 26.

Heidi is the clinic manager for the Osmond General Hospital’s Wausa Medical Clinic and Randolph Family Practice.

“I was holding an all-staff meeting for both Wausa Medical Clinic and Randolph Family Practice and my clinic staff surprised Chris and I that day by having a memorial bench made to be put at the park,” Heidi said.

The clinic staff members presented the bench in memory of Payne to Chris and Heidi, who then found out from Kendra and Carrie Dawson about the playground project in the works.

“We were humbled and so appreciative that so many people want to keep his memory alive,” Heidi said. “We have a beautiful park and this smaller-scale playground equipment will be a perfect addition, especially for the younger children.

“We have decided to use some of the memorial money we received towards this project and then we would like to put the bench by the new playground area once it is complete,” she said.

Kendra explained the committee handling the playground project was initially created several years ago to raise funds for the Wausa Municipal Swimming Pool.

“We have used a portion of those funds to donate a large shade to the swimming pool that will be installed this summer,” Kendra said.

“We also had donation funds – held with the Wausa Community Foundation (Fund) – that had not been designated for a project yet,” she said.

After committee members spoke with the donor’s family, Kendra noted there was “great support” for a memorial playground in honor of Payne.

“While Payne’s time here on Earth was short, he had an impact on so many,” Kendra said. “Chris and Heidi are an important part of this community and involved in so much.

“We felt they were very deserving of this playground as a tribute to the little boy they loved so much,” she said.

When deciding what items committee members wanted to include with the playground project, they had discussions about updating a few items in the village park as well.

“The current swings are located directly in the sun and can be very hot for little ones to use during the summer heat,” Kendra said. “We chose a new set of swings that will have three bays. This will include infant swings, belt seats, as well as a circle-shaped group swing.

“There will be two spring riding animals, a horse and pig, as well,” she said. “There will be rubber mulching with a border to enclose the playground and to create a safe surface for children. The total area for the playground will be 3,304 square feet.” The planned location of the playground equipment will be directly south of the restrooms located by the baseball field. “The only item that will need to be removed will be the merry-go-round that sits next to the large covered shelter,” Kendra said. “Our committee had discussed having some play equipment, closer to the baseball field, that was meant for smaller children.” She noted a current play set is located far from the baseball field, making it difficult for parents watching baseball to keep an eye on small children. “They are not able to leave them unattended as that equipment is meant for older children,” Kendra said. “The climber we intend to provide is meant for children ages 2 to 5.” She explained the goal would be to have the memorial playground installed by early fall of this year, assuming committee members are able to raise the remaining funds needed. “We were given a grant from the Wausa Community Foundation, which has been a tremendous help and has pushed us closer to our goal,” Kendra said. “The community foundation awarded us $15,000 initially,” she said. “We will visit again in summer and see if we still need to raise more money. If we do, we may be able to receive another $10,000.” The committee currently is in need of roughly $36,000 to move ahead with the playground project, which has a budget of about $106,000.

“This price includes site amenities – barn climber, animal riders, swing set, mulching – as well as installation,” Kendra said. “The only item not figured in was the removal of existing equipment (merry-go-round).”

After committee members discussed the playground project with the Wausa Village Board of Trustees on Feb. 6, it was determined village employees could take care of removing the merry-go-round and possibly relocate it within the village park.

“We are very thankful for their help,” Kendra said.

Committee members also have had discussions with a member of the group that has been handling Wausa’s walking trail project, which eventually will be installed at the village park as well.

“We will work with them to ensure that the location will allow plenty of room for the trail to go through this area as well,” Kendra said.

Committee members are discussing a fundraiser for the playground project potentially to take place on March 18.

“We anticipate doing a fundraiser in the next few weeks and hope to have information out to the public very soon,” Kendra said.