PORT NECHES, Texas — An iconic Port Neches playground is being rebuilt four years after it was torn down and very soon you can help by volunteering.
Organizers working on the Tugboat Island rebuild shared new details about the project, including the designs which were in inspired by drawings sent in by local 2nd graders and the dates in February you can show up to help.
The iconic wooden playground was funded and built by the community back in 1996. It was eventually torn down in 2020 after enduring many hurricanes and storms.
Organizers say they need about 5,000 volunteers to build it stronger than ever before.
"We were involved with the first one and the nice thing about it is our kids, they're the ones building this one. And that's one of the most rewarding things about the whole thing," said Port Neches Mayor Glenn Johnson.
Back in 1996, Johnson was a general coordinator, helping to build Tugboat Island.
"We had people, skilled laborers. We had so many volunteers building Tugboat Island One," Johnson said.
At the time, Tugboat Island was the largest playground between Houston and New Orleans.
"The most rewarding community involvement project I'd ever been involved with," Johnson said.
The original wooden park was built in eight days.
"My son grew up playing at this park with his friends. And I just hate to not have kids today to have the same opportunity," said Rita Morgan, a general coordinator for the Tugboat Island rebuild.
The park became a community staple.
"We had buses here at the end of the school years from Vidor, Lumberton all coming here to play on this park. So it's going to be more of an impact on all of Southeast Texas," said Eric Sullivan, a general coordinator for the rebuild.
Part of the million dollar project for the new park was backed by fundraisers. But recently, a retired refinery worker, Ed Hogenson, donated over $700,000 to make this project come to life.
"You like to give to those that need it. And that can benefit from it. So this was sort of an obvious choice," Hogenson said.
The new park will be built using recycled plastic milk jugs and has a 50 year life expectancy.
"We need to have a good place for our kids to not be bored," said Morgan.
On Monday, October 21 organizers announced that it will host 10 build dates in 2025, but first they need volunteers.
"Any volunteers that have any skill or no skill. Manual labor, or skill volunteer help get this things put together," said Hogenson.
"Anybody with a special talent for construction, yes, we need your help," Morgan said.
If you want to volunteer, you can sign up on the project's website.