In late 2020, Ripon Early Bird Kiwanian, Dennis Volstad sadly passed away. Among the bequests in his will, Dennis generously donated substantial funds to both the Early Bird and Noon Kiwanis Clubs in Ripon. Both clubs agreed that an appropriate way to honor Dennis' memory was to use those funds in a way that would have the greatest impact on the youth of our community.

The two Kiwanis clubs partnered with Fond du Lac County, who owns and maintains Riggs County Park; with the concerted effort to build an all-inclusive playground adjacent to the Splash Pad, which children of all abilities could enjoy. Through the joint efforts of the two Ripon Kiwanis clubs and the Fond du Lac County Parks Department raised approximately $270,000 towards the project and construction began in the spring in the spring of 2024. 

Constrction was soon completed in the early summer, with the grand opening being held in July of 2024.