The Whimsical Playground In Nebraska That’s Straight Out Of A Storybook

Who doesn't remember having fun on a playground as a kid? It was the one place you were allowed to run around, be wild, and climb all over everything. Fairbury, in Jefferson County, is home to a playground that is not only made for children - it was designed by them.

This large, 10,500-sq-ft playground embodies the very best of community spirit.

The design of the wooden playground actually came from community children. In 1995, Fairbury kids were asked to draw what they wanted to see in a new playground.

Some of those design elements were incorporated into the final playground plan. The theme is "old west," which is reflected both in the building material and in multiple cute touches.

Spaces labeled "saloon," "stable," and "motel," for example, give kids little spaces to go into for pretend play. The wooden turrets, wagon wheels, and boardwalks let kids feel like they're in a pioneer fort.

The entire playground was funded and built by the community - the first such play structure of its kind in Nebraska when it was constructed in 1995. It also happens to be the oldest wooden play structure in the state.

But in 2015, after two decades of heavy use, the playground was showing its age. Again, the community hopped into action.

A GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $1200 for supplies eventually accumulated more than $4000 to be used to revamp not only Frontier Fun Park, but all of the parks in Fairbury. On a designated work day, volunteers showed up to repair and replace all of the spots on the wooden playground that needed attention.

It's not often that a single playground can unite a community like this one has. The Fun Park has been renewed and replenished for a whole new generation to enjoy. And you can bet that when the playground needs help in the future, the community will again be right there to lend a hand.

You'll find the Frontier Fun Park in the Fairbury City Park, three blocks west of the Historic Downtown Square.