Livermore’s Robertson Park now features an upgrade to its playground equipment thanks to a 9-year-old community member named Avery Kohn.
Kohn sent a letter in January to Jan Palajac, a board director for the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District, expressing her desire to see monkey bars added to the Robertson Park playground, according to a statement from the district last week.
Palajac referred the request to the facilities committee and the group invited Kohn to participate in one of its meetings held via Zoom, where she presented her ideas and learned about the committee’s responsibilities.
To get the ball rolling, parks and facilities manager Fred Haldeman worked with equipment manufacturers on the feasibility of Kohn’s request. They determined that traditional monkey bars would not fit within the existing playground footprint. However, a suitable variation was identified and LARPD staff purchased and installed the equipment.
Within months, Kohn’s idea was brought to life and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Sept. 21. Kohn was in attendance at the ceremony, joined by her family, LARPD board members, staff and community members.
“The installation of the monkey bars is a testament to the power of community engagement, especially in working with Livermore’s youth,” LARPD officials said.
Kohn’s mother, Laura Kohn, sent an email to Palajac expressing her appreciation for moving the project forward and including Avery along the way.
“Thank you so much for inviting my daughter, Avery Kohn, to participate in the democratic process and experience the power of her written voice. She learned a lot by seeing how the Facilities Committee operates and the variety of topics you are responsible for,” Laura Kohn wrote.
“Thank you for taking a 9-year-old girl seriously. I know this experience will be important to her as she grows and becomes more involved in her community as an adult,” she added.
During the opening ceremony, Kohn was able to play on the monkey bars that she inspired. Her mother told attendees that the experience has empowered her daughter as she quoted her saying, “I’m going to be president!”
Robertson Park is located at 3200 Robertson Park Road in Livermore.
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