Cranberry Ridge celebrates a new playground
Written by Dylan Novacek, Content Specialist
The children of Cranberry Ridge have a brand-new playground, and just in time for summer too.
When we opened Cranberry Ridge, 45 affordable homes for families in Plymouth, we knew that giving children the space to play together was essential. Thanks to the generosity and collaboration of our Beacon community, this new playground is a perfect finishing touch to the building.
Construction of the playground was a shared effort from Beacon, service providers at Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners, congregants from Wayzata Community Church, and Cranberry Ridge residents.
“It was great working with residents, Beacon, and Wayzata Community Church on this playground build. The build happened on the last day of school and now it’s summer. It’s perfect timing,” exclaimed Renale Giles, Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners Program Coordinator.
The design of the playground was selected by engaged Cranberry Ridge residents who were shown a handful of play structures to choose from. The families voted on their favorite.
“Renale and IOCP have been amazing partners on this project,” added Joan Bennet, Sr Housing Development Project Manager at Beacon. “They worked with residents to select the playground equipment that would be the best for the community. “
“I’m so happy that Cranberry Ridge children have their own play area inclusive of structures for children with disabilities also,” Renale continued. “The patio is conveniently located next to the playground. Families can sit, visit, and build community while their kids play. I love it!”
It’s special touches like this which make Cranberry Ridge feel like home for these 45 families. At Beacon, we work to create homes that not only meet the needs of our residents, but are also homes they are proud to live in. From built-in appliances, spacious bedrooms with ceiling fans and more, homes like Cranberry Ridge prove to be solid ground for families exiting instability.
The impact of living at Cranberry Ridge
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to raise my kids in a safe, affordable, livable home,” one resident shared.
“Getting the call that I could move in felt like winning the lottery. My new home and the stability it offers me has given my family the green light to follow our dreams” exclaimed another. “The need for more affordable housing in communities like Plymouth is so important because it gives families like ours the opportunity to raise our children in this life-changing environment.”
It takes a collaborative to make homes like Cranberry Ridge a reality. As the community in the building comes together to celebrate the new playground, they are thrilled to know that they have a beautiful outdoor space to spend the summer in.
Partnerships made the creation of this playground possible. Beacon would like to extend a sincere thank you to the engaged residents who shared their input on the playground design, Wayzata Community Church volunteers George and Lewis, the team at Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners, and Midwest Playscapes. Thank you all for bringing this playground to life.
Will you help support residents in their homes? It takes $1,000 per resident monthly to sustain the onsite services residents receive at Cranberry Ridge. Click here to make a gift today.
