Groundbreaking for a new playground takes place this weekend. The Brubaker Playground will be built by the Litchfield Park District. President of the Litchfield Park District John Leonard says the groundbreaking begins at 11:30am at Davis Park, next to Memorial Pool.


an imagination play center, historical markers, nature walkways (and) will open later part of 2015 and I am under the understanding there will be some packets given away that day for free food and drink at the pool by the Brubaker family."

Leonard says the concept for the playground came from the Brubaker family in honor of John Brubaker's mother and father.

"It's a tribute to their investment in our community and their investment, actually, in the state of Illinois with automobiles. We are under the understanding that Mrs. Brubaker was one of the first ladies that ever taught other women how to drive in the state of Illinois..."

Opening day at the pool also takes place Saturday (May 23rd) from noon to 5pm with free admission. Memorial Pool will offer water therapy classes every Tuesday for six weeks this summer. Leonard says the classes cost $2 for each class and they begin June 16th.

"The class will consist of a therapy-type situation featuring muscle stretching, muscle coordination, low-impact aerobic exercises."

Leonard says he learned about the benefits of water therapy from his sister.

"She had to have, what they call, a cage, put in her back and she lives out in Oklahoma and that was one of the physical therapist programs out there was water aerobics. (As) we're learning more and more around the country, these are becoming more prevalent and people are benefiting from this type of therapy."

For more information, you can contact the Litchfield Park District office ta 217-324-9075. You can find the full interview with Litchfield Park District President John Leonard here: Leonard Interview