There’s a new park in town and it’s ready to be filled with live music every day! Employee Helping Hands (EHH) committee members from Valley Queen unveiled the park today, July 25. The outdoor playground equipment is a collection of brightly-accented percussion instruments designed for children of all ages. The instruments are always perfectly tuned, so children can explore music independently and unselfconsciously.
“Outdoor musical instruments are gaining popularity in communities throughout the US,” said Amanda Thronson, chair of Valley Queen’s EHH committee. “The instruments allow anyone to play – there are no wrong notes or rhythms. Everyone becomes an instant musician.”
Children from Val Waletich’s daycare in Milbank christened the instruments with an improvised jam session. The youngsters played the kettle drums, chimes, bells, and xylophone. The collection also includes The Pulse® Tempo game which allows from one to six children to listen for musical tones and chase the lights to create a spontaneous sound and light show.
Called the Main Street Project by the EHH committee, the music park is located on land owned by Valley Queen between 116 S. Main and Ogdahl’s Barbershop at 204 S. Main. The project received approval from the City of Milbank, and the neighboring businesses. The space is ADA compliant. The park will be open free of charge from sunrise to sunset.
Valley Queen employees who serve on the EHH committee include: Stephanie Pillatzki, Hayden Palmer, Annette VanVooren, Harry Francy, Eric Pulling, Magdiel Garcia Juarez, Israel Munoz Martinez, Taylor Jones,Thane McFarland, Ashley Frerichs, Mickey Johnson, Amanda Thronson, and Jody Kuper (retired).
Staff Writer
