Despite some minor challenges presented by Mother Nature in the form of rainfall, and thanks to hundreds of volunteers, the Abita Springs Playground sprouted into pretty much full bloom over the course of just last week. Maybe the rain did some good.

One week ago on Monday the park along the Abita Creek near the center of town was largely a natural expanse. By this Monday, it had been transformed into a miniature Choctaw Village full of all kinds of things to climb on, ride on, play with and enjoy.

The playground is a project of the Friends of the Park of Abita Springs. The idea was to build or place about 50 different play elements in the 16,000-square-foot space in less than one week using volunteer labor.

The Abita Springs River Monster guards the front gate at the new Abita Springs Playground, a 16,000-square-foot expanse that now includes one after another environment sure to stir youthful imaginations and stimulate young muscles in the process. (Staff Photo by Marcelle Hanemann)

“We’re not quite finished, but we’re very close,” Sheri Campbell, FOP playground committee spokesman, said Monday. “We did really, really well. There was only one day that we lost a considerable amount of time because of the rain. We were fortunate, and it came out beautifully.”

By 6:30 a.m. Monday, a volunteer crew was spreading sand around swings, slides, raised play buildings and so much more.

A large colorful “river monster” stood patrol near the front entryway, and a giant alligator hulked, partially submerged further back.

“Kids are just chomping at the bit to get in and play,” said Campbell. “We just have a few little things still to do — fencing, landscaping, lighting. We’ve made it a priority to finish this week.”

Between 80 and 90 volunteers, whose skills ranged from untested to professional level, volunteered to help build the playground each day from Tuesday through Friday, she said.

Approximately 150 people volunteered their services Saturday. And about 120 showed up to work Sunday.

“The community really did show up,” said Campbell. “They came and contributed. It was hard work, and it was so hot. But everybody was smiling while they were working. It felt so good that the community could come together and do something like this. I’m very proud of it.”