It’s taken six years from conception to completion, and on Saturday, October 13th the Knoxville Morning Kiwanis Club celebrates the dedication of its signature project: the Miracle Playground.

The club has raised nearly $300,000 towards construction of the wheelchair-accessible playground in Young’s Park; built in five stages over the years, it has a gazebo as its centerpiece and paths which lead to playground equipment which is age-appropriate for various levels.

Ernest Smith from the Kiwanis Club tells KNIA/KRLS News the idea started off in modest fashion, but eventually evolved into a much larger project.

“We started planning to build a playground in 2012, and we started the first fundraising in 2013,” says Smith. “We were able to raise enough funds to put the first phase in, in September of 2013. So it’s been five years in the process.”

He says the finished product can serve up to 80 children in the Knoxville area, but also draws in kids and families from around the region because of its accessibility for the disabled.

The official dedication ceremony will be at 11:30 a.m. on October 13th; the KNIA/KRLS Lil’ Big Red Radio will be on the scene for the event, playing music and making announcements.