The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands recently celebrated a milestone by inaugurating a brand‑new playground and basketball court in Carter Lake, Iowa, a neighborhood that has long been a focal point for the organization’s youth programs.
The facilities, christened Ethie’s Playground and the Kunkel Basketball Court, were unveiled in a ceremony that highlighted the contributions of two longtime supporters whose generosity shaped the project.
Richard Webb, a senior staff member at the club, addressed attendees, emphasizing that the donors’ vision was to create safe, inviting spaces where neighborhood children could gather, play and build lasting friendships.
A Playground Designed for Play
Ethie’s Playground features a vibrant color palette and an obstacle‑course‑inspired layout designed to encourage physical activity and imaginative play, offering children a dynamic environment that goes beyond traditional equipment.
The adjacent Kunkel Basketball Court, named for former chief operating officer Tom Kunkel, who dedicated 42 years to the organization, offers a modern surface and spectator seating that meets the growing demand for youth sports in the area.
Both projects reflect a broader commitment to community development, aiming to provide a constructive outlet for kids while reinforcing the club’s role as a neighborhood hub that nurtures social connections and healthy lifestyles.