Volunteers rally to build Carolina Forest playground

Volunteers from local businesses, organizations and individuals will spend a day helping build a new playground in Carolina Forest during the United Way of Horry County's 11th annual Day of Caring.

The largest one-day local volunteer effort for United Way of Horry County will be held Sept. 24, according to United Way officials.

The annual event brings hundreds of volunteers together who spend a day working on a project such as painting, landscaping, building and cleaning.

This year, United Way has partnered with the Horry County government on the Palmetto Adventure Land playground. The PAL was designed by students at Carolina Forest and Ocean Bays Elementary schools, who also helped in the naming and the artwork throughout the playground, according to county officials.

"Since this project is benefiting the community, was designed by our local children and needs to be built by volunteers - our volunteers saw this project as a great way to showcase our community living united," said Julie Kopnicky, marketing and communications coordinator for United Way of Horry County, in a news release.

Lisa Bourcier, Horry County's public information director, said the playground will include a boat, submarine, wave facade, a music area, swings, slides, monkey bars, games, picnic tables and a park.

"This is a one-of-a-kind project for our community," Bourcier said. "The playground equipment is designed to provide opportunities for children of all abilities to experience sensory-rich play. All children can play together with their peers, neighbors and family, and the playground will be handicap accessible."

The playground will be free to the public.

"We all know children love to play," said Lance Thompson, United Way's campaign chairman. "They are born learning. They develop through interaction at an early age. We are excited to kick off the campaign with this unique project."