BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — A new playground for younger children was dedicated to the memories of three 4-H leaders at the Missouri Valley Complex on Thursday, June 20.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday to dedicate the new farm-themed playground to honor the memories of three people who had contributed so much to helping 4-H members succeed.

Louise and Loren Gobbs and ElRoy Haadem were well-known 4-H leaders who cared about youth and took an active role in mentoring and coaching 4-H kids in the local area.

“They were big in 4-H, they were leaders and they were very active with clubs,” said Corinna Pfaff, a Joann Hetzel Memorial 4-H Building committee member.

The Burleigh County 4-H council helped raise money for the construction of the playground, along with the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD) and the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District.

The new playground is right next to the Joann Hetzel Memorial 4-H Building, located at the Missouri Valley Complex.

“You think about 4-H, and it’s an organization that really caters to a lot of youth activities and the building,” said Kevin Klipfel.

BPRD Executive Director, Kevin Klipfel says that in 2021 the 4-H Council came to the Park District and donated the 4-H building and asked them if they would partner on raising money to build the playground.

“One of the things they wanted to do at that point in time was to honor a couple of people that were very near and dear to their hearts,” noted Klipfel.

“The [4-H] building Parks and Rec operates as a venue, is for 4-H events, 4-H meetings. Our council meets out here. There’s weddings, there’s auctions and whenever you have those events, you always have kids. What do the kids do? Now, they have a playground,” expressed Pfaff

After a few years of planning and raising over $180,000 to build the new playground, parents who come out to attend 4-H events, now have a place for their younger kids to enjoy the day.

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