A shared dream can bring a community together. The Jungle Jym project did that approximately 25 years ago.

In the Sunday, Sept. 29, 1996 edition of the Southern Standard it was reported that over 200 individuals turned out for unveiling of Jungle Jym construction plans. A Jungle Jym Community Playground Committee was established months prior and it estimated that $150,000 would be needed. Those funds were raised through public and private donations, including a commemorative brick sale. Volunteers spent more than a week on construction.

Could the community come together to share a second dream, this one to replace the old wooden structure?

“There’s a lot of support to do that, to fix the Jungle Jym,” said Alderman Rachel Kirby, during a Finance Committee meeting. “There’s a ton of support to fix it.”

Members met to consider proposed departmental budgets for fiscal year 2022-23. Included in the discussion were proposed capital improvement projects.

“I spent eight days of the worst days of my life working over there, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” said Alderman Everett Brock. “I was dying.”

Alderman Steve Harvey added, “It was the hardest week of work. All I did was run the tool trailer. I didn’t build anything. I just handed out tools all day.”

“I think it was one of the best things that the city did together,” said Kirby.

Brock added, “I agree. It was a good time. Great comradery. I got home at the end of the day and was exhausted.”

“We could do that again,” said Alderman Zach Sutton. “You can have a community build, even with the new stuff. The only thing we wouldn’t do is the surface.”

Considered was seeking a nonprofit organization to spearhead the fundraising effort or for the city to establish an account for Jungle Jym donations. According to city recorder Shirley Durham, either way, those donations would be tax deductible. When funds are raised, ask community volunteers to assist in replacement.

After a grant effort failed, the proposal by Parks and Recreation Department director Justin Scott was for the city to fund $700,000 for the renovation project in phases over the next three years: $280,000, $210,000 and $210,000.

“We just came off a $9.2 million project for Parks and Recreation,” said Mayor Ryle Chastain. “There might be other things in that department that need attention, but we have to give attention to other needs of the city.”

The meeting was discussion only.