Projects
Darrell's Dream Boundless Playground
Video link of the 2026 Spring Day of Caring: Link
As the work on the playground advanced into the construction stage, it became clear that Kiwanian Darrell Rice would not be present to see its completion. Diagnosed with cancer, Darrell continued to serve his club and community as long as he had the strength. As Darrell approached the end of his time on earth, the playground team asked him if they could name the playground, “Darrell’s Dream”. He agreed.
In honor of Darrell, his club, the Kiwanis Club of Kingsport, donated $10,000 toward the construction of the Crossroads structure in the center of the playground. General Shale Corporation, a local brick company, donated the special brick needed to construct the Crossroads structure. In addition to their donation, Kiwanis club members also turned out when the call came for volunteers to spread rubber mulch under the play equipment, to landscape areas around the playground and to assemble picnic tables. Over 100 man hours were spent spreading 30 tons of rubber mulch and many, many tons of dirt and gravel. In 2008, the Crossroads structure was honored by receiving the MIT Award for Design.
On Monday, April 23, 2007, Darrell’s Dream came true! The Boundless Playground opened for all the children of the Tri-Cities. At the opening ceremony, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke said, “We are extremely proud to have this extraordinary playground that makes universally accessible play available to children of all ages at Warrior’s Path State Park. I think the public-private partnership that made this project possible, as well as the playground itself, are models that will gain regional if not national attention that will be well deserved. More importantly, no child will have to leave behind support equipment or be otherwise limited in their ability to enjoy this remarkable facility.”
In 2009, Phase 2 of the playground opened with the addition of a Narnia trail, a Braille Interpretive trail and a Wildflower walk. In 2010, Phase 3 added the Anderson tree House. In 2012, Phase 4 brought the Palmer Center Foundation Amphitheater and a Rain Garden (NE Tenn. Master Gardeners).
Fast forward to this year, the Kiwanis Club of Kingsport, continues to honor Darrell’s memory and serve young children in our community. Along with many other community volunteers, club members volunteer on a Saturday in the April and also in November to clean and maintain the equipment, bathrooms, pavilions, benches, trash cans and generally make all play areas clean and safe.
In summer, Darrell’s Dream serves as many as 500 children a day, with many school groups arriving by bus for nature programs and exercise. Handicapped children and adults are able to fully participate due to the accessible design of the Playground. Darrell’s Dream continues!
2026 Recipients
2026 is the 71st year that awards have been presented to outstanding students at local schools by members of the Kiwanis Club of Kingsport. Coordinated by the Club’s Youth Impact Committee, special personalized plaques are purchased to honor students. The awards are presented to deserving students in elementary, middle and high schools. The students to receive these awards are chosen by each school using the criteria set forth by each individual school. Typically, awards are for highest grade point average, academics, or outstanding citizenship. The Kiwanian volunteer presents the award to each recipient during the end of the year program at the school. A permanent plaque of the recipients of the Kiwanis award is maintained at each school. Following are the award recipients: (1) Thomas Jefferson Elementary: Uriah Miller, Boone Kerns (Citizenship); (2) Andrew Johnson Elementary: Jayce Jobe, Melody Li (Citizenship); (3) John Adams Elementary: Emmalyn Baird (Citizenship); (4) John F. Kennedy Elementary: Blaine Brown (Outstanding Student); (5) Theodore Roosevelt Elementary: Abraham Ramirez (Citizenship); (6) Andrew Jackson Elementary: Holden Baars (Citizenship); (7) Abraham Lincoln Elementary: Tristen Reed (Science); (8) St. Dominic Catholic School: Mallory Faust (Citizenship); (9) John Sevier Middle School: Gabriella Villanueva, Isaac Linkous, Carson White, Regan Winegar, Cohen Metcalf, Makena Ruttes (Science); (10) Ross N. Robinson Middle School: Jack Ewing (Science); (11) Dobyns Bennett High School: Eesha Kothari (scholarship - highest grade point average); (12) West Ridge High School: Kalista Page, Emerson Pierce (Key Club Scholarships)
