On Tuesday, August 29, 2017, Shelly Runte, mother of Kayla Runte and the inspirational leader of Kayla’s Krew and City of Franklin Engineer Glen Morrow spoke at The  2017 American Public Works Association Public Works Expo.

The event draws thousands of public works professionals from all over the world.

Runte and Morrow spoke at a diversity session about lessons learned beyond the building of Kayla’s Playground.

Located at Franklin Woods, Kayla’s Playground that opened in 2015 offers a playful and relaxing experience for families of all abilities.

The site never ceases to amaze, drawing crowds all year long.

This announcement  was made just a few weeks ago on December 8, 2017.

More than 55,000 votes were verified to determine the winners of the 2017 Milwaukee A-List. The 164 winners competed with more than 4,100 nominees to be named the BEST of Milwaukee A-List.

It’s the second year in row Kayla’s Playground has won the award.

That’s no surprise.

Whenever I visit Franklin’s jewel, I make it a point to stop and  look at the posted proclamation written by Franklin Mayor Steve Olson. It opens by stating Kayla Runte’s “much-too-short and precious life inspired an entire community to develop a playground that celebrates joy and inclusion.”

That it does.

Kayla’s Playground goes beyond federal requirements for playgrounds by providing not one but three types of play.

And this wonderful spot also addresses the worry for many that today’s playgrounds have become less adventurous.

Read more about the value of places like Kayla’s Playground in this 2017 article by City Lab.

The article never mentions Kayla’s Playground, but has Kayla’s Playground written all over it.

And read this blog about one of the many volunteers who helped build the playground. Holly Denfeld will graduate from MSOE in May. She’s now assisting in coaching the MSOE women’s basketball where she starred.

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