Shaheen Children's Park Opening

Photo By Spc. Jennifer Eddy | (L to r) Col. Ahmed Shah, Lt. Col. Louie K. Payne, Brig. Gen, Gulam Sakhi and Wali Shah cut a ribbon to open the Shaheen Park to the families of Dehdadi, Nov. 26, 2009.  

11.26.2009

Story by Spc. Jennifer Eddy 

48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

CAMP SPANN, MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan — A large group of Afghan children crowded around a group of Afghan and American Soldiers in a soccer field, Nov. 26. Not to beg for money, or warm winter clothing, but to release a rainbow of brightly colored balloons into the sky in celebration of the grand opening of the Shaheen Childen's Park in Dehdadi, Balkh province.

Construction of the park, and its grand opening, was organized by the Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the Afghan National Army's 209th Corps.

Since the Nov. 26 opening, children have flocked to the basketball court, merry-go-rounds, volleyball court and soccer field. Meanwhile, more playground equipment and a store are under construction to continue improvements. Spanning over 15 acres, the park has quickly become the jewel of this remote region, and the pride of the Afghan and American soldiers who raised $260,000 to build it.

"Everyday, I passed this area and there were kids playing in the dirt and ditches. It weighed heavily on me to think of it as a park," said corps commander, Maj. Gen. Murad Ali. After some preliminary planning with 2-121 Commander, Lt. Col. Louie K. Payne and project manager, 1st Lt. Russell L. Bartholow, Ali sealed the deal with a donation of ANA land. But the saving grace for the Soldiers' inspiration was the local business community.

"The project idea came from the 209th Corps Command of the ANA five months ago, but funding was a problem," said Murad. "We decided to ask local businessmen to meet and discuss coming together to pay for it." The meetings organized by the ANA and coalition forces with local businesses and residents succeeded in gaining community support.

"This is not a government project. It is being funded by local businesses and contractors. The park will be a symbol of friendship between the ANA, coalition forces and the people," said Murad.

"This park would not be possible without the ANA and local business leaders. It's definitely a sign of progress for the Afghan community," said Bartholow. "This park provides the children of Afghanistan with hope by setting a standard of what to expect from their leaders while expanding their perception of life in Afghanistan."

• Date Taken: 11.26.2009
• Date Posted: 02.15.2010 02:01
• Story ID: 45357