MILFORD — Members of the community came out to Waubee Lake Park today, Saturday, June 10, to celebrate the new playground equipment and give thanks to those who made it possible.

This project began over a year ago when Joellen Free, town clerk of Milford, noticed that the playground equipment hadn’t changed in decades. In fact, she said it was the same equipment she played on as a young girl.

Determined to update the Waubee Lake Park playground, Free began applying for grants. She admits that the idea of raising nearly $80,000 to fund the project was intimidating, but there was an outpouring of support from the community.

Thanks to the generosity of organizations like K21, Milford Kiwanis, Dekko, Phend & Brown as well as individual donors, the refurbished playground dream became a reality.

Between raising the necessary funds and the playground’s construction, a number of people have worked tirelessly to make this happen.

The Day at the Lakes Festival kicked off with a 5K race in which the winners each took home a $50 prize.

After the race, people gathered around to recognize those who contributed to the project.

The festivities included tug-of-war, a balloon toss, cornhole, a bubble station, sandcastle art, duck pond prizes, swimming and, of course, the playground itself.

Citizens of Milford and all of Kosciusko County are welcome to enjoy the lake, the park and the playground for years to come.