Almost 25 years ago, Kiwanis stepped forward and provided the equipment for the very first playground at Lighthouse Ministries.
Today, we have the opportunity to do it again. 
Lighthouse Ministries is competing for a national Kiwanis grant to build a brand-new playground — and our community votes will determine if we advance.
Here’s how you can help:
Click the link below
Scroll to find Kiwanis Club of Lakeland
Click the Heart at the bottom of the box
Enter your email address
Retrieve code from email and submit
Vote once a day for the next TWO weeks
We must be one of the top vote-getters to be considered for the grant. Every vote matters!
Let’s rally together and support the children of Lighthouse once again. 
https://voting-app.kiwanis.org/…
Thank you for being part of something meaningful for our community.
Why does your community need a playground?
While many children in our community have safe, high-quality playgrounds, those living and learning in homeless shelters often lack access to these spaces. Working alongside Lighthouse Ministries, we are fighting back, transforming the lives of vulnerable children through access to outdoor play right where they are every day. The current playground at Lighthouse Ministries is 24 years old, with outdated equipment and worn-out surfaces that limit play. A new playground will create a safe space for the children who live with their moms in the Lighthouse Life Recovery program and those that attend the onsite community preschool. Many of these children have experienced homelessness and instability. Having a reliable place to play helps them build confidence, regulate emotions, and develop social skills. The new playground design will feature modern, durable materials, including surfaces designed for wheelchair access, multiple features that are inclusive, and ADA-compliant equipment. These elements will encourage interaction among children, helping foster empathy and belonging through shared play. Replacing this long-outdated playground is not just a facility upgrade; it’s an investment in the well-being and future of our community’s most vulnerable children, providing a safe and enriching space where they can experience the joy of play.
What organizations will support this playground project, and what is their role, if any, in project planning?
Members of Kiwanis have been integrally involved in the process by attending site planning meetings at Lighthouse Ministries, advising on the overall budget, and in reaching out to other clubs and potential donors. Lighthouse Ministries has secured funding for the sitework needed and is in the process of securing additional funds. This application submission represents Kiwanis of Lakeland’s support of the project. Woodmen Life has also agreed to lend their support. The intent is for this playground to be community-built.
How will you ensure your playground is ready to be installed by December 2027?
To ensure the playground will be completed by December 2027, we have proposed an overview schedule below. ● Finalize budget, site plan, funding plan, and community engagement plan – by April 15, 2026 ● Secure 50% or more in funding by 8.25.2026 ● Order equipment – Date to be determined ● Sitework complete with anchor funding provided by donors to Lighthouse Ministries – by 12.31.2026 ● Secure remaining funding – by 2.15.2027 ● Installation – by 7.15.2027 ● Workday and sneak preview with funders – 8.1.2027 ● Ribbon Cutting – 8.15.2027 This timeline could be accelerated depending on timing of funding commitments. In 2002, Kiwanis provided the original playground equipment. This year, we are deep into the planning phase of this renewal project and working collaboratively with Lighthouse. Kiwanis members have been onsite three times to work with the Lighthouse CEO, children’s programming staff, and facilities staff, participating in visioning and equipment placement sessions. There has also been a site work meeting, and choices about playground equipment have been narrowed down. Currently, a tentative rendering and plan for equipment has been created by Pro Playgrounds. Equipment, ground coverings, and sunshades have been priced, and a budget of $150,000 has been set, along with the tentative timeline described above.
Has the playground site been defined? If yes, who will own the playground and what are the plans for its ongoing maintenance?
The new playground will be built on the site of the existing outdated playground at Lighthouse Ministries, which will own and maintain the playground through staff and volunteers.
What is the club’s role in funding the project?
Currently this grant submission is our only role. Kiwanis will support Lighthouse in raising funds for the project.
What is the role of the Kiwanis club? Provide details regarding the club’s role in funding, building, naming, planning, etc.
Kiwanians has been actively involved in planning the playground project and will continue to play a key role through completion. Members will be informed throughout the process and will be offered a volunteer workday to participate directly in the project. Kiwanis will be recognized for their partnership through Lighthouse Ministries’ social and print media, at community events, and with permanent signage on the playground honoring their contribution.
If selected as the winner, are you willing to participate in and assist with ongoing promotion of the project?
We would be glad to participate in and assist with the ongoing promotion of the project, including photos, videos, and interviews.