DECATUR - Stefanie Rohman didn't get to help build the Scovill Park playground adjacent to Scovill Zoo when it was built 17 years ago.

So she was eager to volunteer to be a part of a large group rebuilding the playground this weekend after it was torn down a few weeks ago.

The original playground, which had badly deteriorated, was made out of wood and built in 1991. The new one, to be constructed from powder-coated steel and composite fiberglass, is expected to withstand wear and tear much better.

"I was here when they built it helping with I think the day care," Rohman said. "It seems like I'm always here, even in the winter. I was sad to see the other one go, but this one will be better."

Rohman joined a group of about 75 volunteers Saturday morning working on the project.

Decatur Park District officials are hoping to draw even more volunteers today as they complete most of the work building the new equipment that could last for more than 30 years.

"It's a little hard, and the stuff is a little heavy, but, oh well," said volunteer Rachel Wayne, a sophomore at St. Teresa High School. "It's a good experience."

Wayne is hoping to be able to tell her friends she helped build the playground when she visits there with them, although she feels a little old to be admitting to playing on playgrounds.

The Junior Welfare Association is bringing 20 members each day to help.

"We feel it's important for our children and the children of the community to have a wonderful playground," said the group's president, Ginger Edwards. "This is going to be a state-of-the-art playground. It will be a safe environment and so much safer than the previous environment."

The new playground will include nine slides, colorful play panels, an interactive music station, a fossil wall and a smooth rubber surface designed to accommodate visitors of all ages and abilities.

The park district is grateful to receive so much help, saying the process would likely have gone much slower if it had to rely on staff alone to work on the project.

"We would be at it a longer time if we had to take staff off other details," said Don Luy, vice president of the park district board. "We don't have that many staff members. If people can get dirty and their back is a little sore, it shows a sign of ownership."

Seeing all of the people come together on the project was amazing, especially those who came back after 17 years, said Judy Locke, Decatur Parks Foundation president.

"Back then, people could not believe that you could build something like this so fast," Locke said. "It's exciting to realize what the community can do. We were holding our breath that people would come back."

Rohman is planning to come back not just to finish with the construction but to play on the new equipment when it is ready.

She works in foster care and said she brings the children to the zoo often, in addition to bringing the children in her family. She's planning on bringing some her older family members today to assist in the construction.

"We're here all the time," Rohman said. "I enjoy playing, myself. I'm looking forward to bringing them."

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