Rosili Olson was 11 when she heard some exciting news. A new playground was coming to her Utah town!
Then she saw the design. The equipment was targeted toward older kids, and Rosili has two younger sisters. Park visits would be dull if only she benefited.
Rosili says of her siblings, “I love them . . . and I wanted them to have fun and not be bored the rest of their lives.”
The driven firstborn pulled out her crayons. She drew pictures of a dream playground for all ages. She mapped out slides, monkey bars, rope climbs, and musical instruments.
Other folks might hang their art on the fridge and keep pining for better play spaces. Rosili asked her mom to take her and the pictures to city officials.
Her mom, Annie Olsen, complied. She and Rosili met with Eric Howes. He is the head of parks and recreation for the city of Clearfield. Olson was amazed by how much the city’s staff showed interest in her daughter’s ideas.
Howes says, “I’m the fortunate one who got the chance to talk to [Rosili], and we sat down with her and went through every one of those drawings.” Rosili’s artwork had meticulous details. It showed her playground’s features from four different angles.
“I don’t see this from adults very often, to be very honest,” Howes says. “I was just so impressed with Rosili. She saw something she didn’t like and she decided, ‘I want to do something about it.’”
It turned out to be too late to change the playground Rosili first read about, but the city had plans for another playground at nearby Bicentennial Park. Officials asked Rosili if she wanted to help with the design.
Rosili’s mom brought her to every planning meeting. City officials reviewed multiple versions of her playground and even got Rosili’s input on the final colors.
Howes has served in parks and recreation for almost 25 years. He says working with Rosili has been one of the most fun experiences of his career.
Rosili’s dad, Travis Olson, is proud of his daughter’s “ambition and love.” She has a heart to enjoy others and serve them.
The whole experience taught Rosili that average citizens can affect positive change in their towns.
The young designer is now 12. She cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the new playground on September 24. “It’s even better than I imagined,” she says. “It’s so beautiful.”
Why? Towns and cities benefit when average citizens contribute their God-given time, creativity, and commitment to projects that serve people of all ages.
