This week in history 1.21.16

Jan. 22, 1998 

Musicians, vendors and souvenir sellers gathered at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park to celebrate King's life. Hundreds of residents participated in a parade that started at the County Courthouse down Main Street and concluded at the park located on Cocoanut Avenue. 

Jan. 23, 1986 
 

The project was a community playground and Principal John Spielman wanted that to be reflected in the layout. 

"The playground we have has a lot of antiquated equipment, and the swings are dangerous," Spielman said. 

New Jersey architect Robert Leathers designed the playground and was discovered by a parent who read about him.

The architect was in such demand that he had to limit the number of playgrounds he designed to 25 each year. Part of his process for designing involved meeting with the Southside PTO as well as with the members of the children's committee to hear what their needs are for the playground. One of those ideas was a three-tiered tunnel. 

In addition to meeting with the children, some students also submitted drawings for what they envisioned the playground to look like. 

The school then turned to the community for donated materials and funds to offset the fee for Leathers work.