Bright and early Wednesday morning, a lot of very happy Lockwood folks turned out for the groundbreaking of Lion’s Lair 2.0. The effort to raise more than $230,000 was truly a community-wide cause – one that some said could never be done. But, with the leadership of the Lockwood PTA, the support of the school, of Lockwood businesses, philanthropic organizations and probably every single Lockwood resident, they did it. Especially recognized for her involvement was Sue Robertson, who is retiring as a Lockwood teacher of 44 years. Robertson was involved in the building of the first Lion’s Lair. Located near Lockwood School the playground, which brought enjoyment to generations of area families. Loree Baasch, also a member of the PTA and a Lockwood teacher, played a spearheading role in organizing fund raising efforts and planning the playground, over the past several years. The first Lion’s Lair had to be razed when its age made it unsafe. Numerous COP Construction workers were part of the ground breaking ceremony, as they waited to launch into action the construction equipment which was staged around the Lockwood School lot where the state-of-the –art facility will be located. COP Construction volunteered to do the site preparation work which is estimated to be at least a $15,000 contribution to the overall project. Lion’s Lair will be a designated a National Demonstration Site, which can serve persons with and without disabilities, and allow integrated play. It will boast a ramping access system, a “Rock N Raft” which allows for two wheelchairs and six seated children, an expression swing, 75′ zip line and other aspects for exercise and imaginative play
