Mayor Madeline Rogero, members of the Lakeshore Park board and representatives of Knox Youth Sports will formally open the new Hank Rappé Playground at Lakeshore Park, 6410 S. Northshore Dr., on Friday, Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
The playground is the first major addition to the 185-acre park since the adoption of a new master plan for the park.
The universal playground is designed to be inclusive for children of every ability and will include a resilient surface, multiple play areas and special equipment. It is named in memory of Hank Rappé, the son of Dr. Matt and Brandy Rappé, who passed away on April 5, 2013 - two days before his first Knox Youth Sports tee-ball game at Lakeshore Park.
Donations from the medical community and friends and family of the Rappés to Knox Youth Sports provided initial funds for playground equipment. The total cost of the playground, an adjacent parking area, landscaping and other improvements is $1.2 million, which was raised through donations to the Lakeshore Park Board.