LHJWL volunteers Priscilla Lewis, Ashley Groover, Kelly Musgrave, Lauri Griffith, Julie Goodale, Jessica Baker and Lindsey Halford

LHJWL volunteers Priscilla Lewis, Ashley Groover, Kelly Musgrave, Lauri Griffith, Julie Goodale, Jessica Baker and Lindsey Halford

Lake Highlands Junior Women’s League members hosted a party Sunday to celebrate the grand opening of the city’s first-ever custom-designed, multilevel, interactive, 14 station indoor playplace. The new “Wildcat Fun Zone,” made possible by an $80,000 gift by the LHJWL, is housed inside the LH Recreation Center and is designed to “help preschool children develop social, motor, cognitive and problem solving skills in a fun atmosphere.”

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“Unveiling the Fun Zone is another reminder of how amazing our community is,” LHJWL member Lauri Griffith told me. “It’s great to look back and see that we achieved our goal to bring a fun, indoor play area to our beloved Lake Highlands North Rec Center. The dedication of each LHJWL member, the financial support given by individuals and businesses in and outside of the LH community and the collaborative efforts from the City of Dallas made this goal possible. Let the fun begin!”

“I want to recognize the Lake Highlands Junior Women’s League,” said Dallas Parks Board member Robin Norcross at the unveiling. “This project was their idea, borne out of a very real need for a place that children could play when it’s freezing cold or – more likely – burning hot outside. They raised money through their Run for the Highlands – they’ve raised more than half a million dollars to date – and it all goes back into our community.”

“And this idea wouldn’t have been executable without our wonderful Parks Department,” added Norcross, recognizing Dallas Parks Director Willis Winters and his staff.

Dallas City Councilman Jerry Allen was also on hand to praise the efforts of LHJWL members.

“Lake Highlands today, because of what you ladies do, we are in good hands. When you go out in our neighborhoods, what do you see? You see all these baby carriages. You go to the local elementary schools, what do you see? You see strong PTAs. I can tell you that our values and our traditions here in Lake Highlands are solid, and they are something that you have to look forward to with your growing families.”

The Fun Zone is open Monday-Thursday (times vary) and the cost is $3 per child per session. To purchase tickets online, go to www.dallasrectrac.org, click on the “browse tickets” magnifying glass, and find the date and time you want. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. Call the Rec Center at 214-670-7794 to reserve for groups or parties.

Fun Zone unveiling

Fun Zone unveiling

Dallas City Councilman Jerry Allen, Park Board member Robin Norcross, LHJWL President Julie Goodale and Dallas Park Dept. Director Willis Winters

Dallas City Councilman Jerry Allen, Park Board member Robin Norcross, LHJWL President Julie Goodale and Dallas Park Dept. Director Willis Winters