The city of Herculaneum has launched its “Heat Up the Fun” campaign to raise funds for upgrades at Kade’s Playground at William C. Haggard City Park, 776 Joachim Ave. The playground is an inclusive play space designed for children of all abilities.
Candace Siebert, Herculaneum park superintendent, said the city is looking to raise about $50,000 in the hopes of purchasing new equipment and shade structures; adding a new fence; and rebuilding the previous pavilion, which was damaged by a storm.
“Kade’s Playground is a cherished space for our community, and these upgrades will make it even more welcoming and inclusive,” Siebert said. “We invite residents, businesses and organizations to join us in making this vision a reality.”
She said the new equipment will mostly replace aging equipment, rather than adding new equipment to the space. The playground opened nearly 10 years ago, in fall 2015.
“There are a couple things that are starting to show their age, and we want to replace them,” Siebert said.
She said the new purchases will help to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for families and children for years to come.
Siebert said the location for the fence has not been determined, but she would like to see it surround the playground area to increase child safety.
“The goal is just to make the playground safer for kids who might have a tendency to run off,” she said. “It’ll just be easier for the parents to make sure they don’t get too far away.”
The pavilion was destroyed in a spring 2023 tornado storm, and the concrete pad has been uncovered since. Delays in the planning process have pushed back the rebuilding of the pavilion, but city officials say they hope to have it completed later this year.
Siebert said donations may be made by cash or check in person at City Hall during business hours; or by mail to City of Herculaneum, Attn: Parks Dept, 1 Parkwood Court, Herculaneum, 63048.
Siebert said the fundraising campaign started Monday and will run at least through Aug. 1, and the city will display a volcano-themed progress tracker at the entrance to the park and update the tracker weekly.
Siebert said all donations are welcome, but community members and businesses who donate more than $500 by Aug. 1 will be recognized on a permanent donor board at the playground entrance. Sponsorship tiers include the Ember Level at $500, the Lava Flow Level at $1,000, the Inferno Level at $2,500, and the Eruption Level at $5,000 or more.
For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Siebert at csiebert@cityofherculaneum.gov.