By Richard L. Gaw, Staff Writer

As Saturday morning's early sun began to shine in Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square, one tiny corner of its plentiful greenery was devoted to thanking some individuals and groups who had a large share in helping to beautify it.

Before a gathering of Longwood Rotary Club members and community, a sign was unveiled that listed the names of 25 donors and 40 volunteers and organizations who helped build what now stands behind it: a childrens' playground, complete with a swing set, a jungle gym and a teeter-totter, that opened in 2013.

The cost of the playground equipment was paid for through a Longwood Rotary gala, which raised the $50,000 needed to get the project off the ground.

In an effort to thank the Longwood Rotary and the many volunteers who worked on the playground, Kennett Township began efforts to have a commemorative sign erected near the playground. The township then contacted Fran Durynski of CompuSIGN and Graphics, who donated his time and effort to build the sign.

"There are many other organizations listed as a way to show that our community is coming together under the banner of the Longwood Rotary, and we couldn't more proud to do a project like this," Rotary president Bob Listerman said at the ceremony. "The reason of putting this signage out here is to say, 'This is an example of what we can do, and we want to do more.'

Chartered in 1997, the Longwood Rotary Club now lists nearly 100 business and professional leaders dedicated to carrying out the Rotary International vision of "Service Above Self." Members meet weekly to identify potential upcoming areas of service.

"One of the best things that what Rotary does is involve the community in what we do," Listerman added. "It's not just about us. We bring in family, friends and organizations to help. The Longwood Rotary is just a small part of what makes Kennett Square so strong, just like the Mushroom Festival and the Kennett Run Charities and on and on. It's quite an amazing community."

Richard Lyon, chairman of the Kennett Area Park Authority, said that the group is in the early stages of the next phase of the playground, which will involve the construction and placement of a mushroom-themed tree house, which will serve as the centerpiece of the playground. Once funding is secured, the playground's newest addition could potentially be ready for climbing by next spring.

To contact Staff writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail [email protected].