Ribbon cutting ceremony held at Saint Sabina for safe and accessible playground

By Chinta Strausberg

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Tuesday for the building of a safe and accessible playground at Saint Sabina where children will be able to play without fear of violence and under the watchful eye of Father Michael L. Pfleger.

Hundreds of volunteers including Chicago Bulls mascot Benny the Bull descended on Saint Sabina to be a part of building the historic safe and accessible playground that will be a safe haven for children thanks to KaBoom, a national nonprofit organization, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and scores of volunteers from Northwestern University.

The diverse group of volunteers that included scores of physicians from AAOS, members and supporters of Saint Sabina, former Chicago Bear Chris Zorich, a colonel from Virginia who is stationed in Afghanistan worked feverishly throughout the day seemingly oblivious to the chilly weather. Their camaraderie quickly became infectious.

Thanking the volunteers and the students, Father Pfleger looked on with pride as the crew lifted poured cement, hammered and put together a colorful playground next door to the ARK of Saint Sabina which is another save haven for youth. That is where on September 22, 2012 Pfleger held the historic Peacemaker Basketball Tournament where four rival gangs laid down their guns and opted to shoot hoops for peace.

The ARK has been called “sacred ground” by Father Pfleger who continues to plant “seeds of peace” by offering street organization members a holistic transformation program that includes jobs, GED and City College education, counseling, providing them with suits and other social services.

But, Tuesday was a day for the children and a day of pride for the AAOS, which kicked off their annual meeting with their volunteering to build the playground. Besides the Chicago Bulls mascot, “Benny the Bull” showing up, so did the Saint Sabina Academy students who later held the ribbon AAOS officials cut.

While volunteers were assembling the playground parts outside, next door inside of the ARK of Saint, more volunteers and children were painting and assembling even more parts they would later bring outside for the crew to install. Accompanied by Father Pfleger, business icon John Rogers toured the Ark and marveled at the volunteers who were painting pits and pieces of the new playground.

Dr. Joshua Jacobs, first vice president of the AAOS and professor and chairman of the Orthopedic Surgery Rush Presbyterian Medical Center who cut the ribbon, said, “I’m elated. I am so happy that we can provide this for the Saint Sabina community.” Jacobs said AAOS has been building these playgrounds since 2000.

In cutting the ribbon, Jacobs said, “We are grateful to KaBoom who worked for us on designing and implementing this wonderful playground.” He thanked all of the volunteers including those who made financial contributions. “On behalf of the 37,000 orthopedic surgeons worldwide, it is my honor to help dedicate this safe and accessible playground today.”

Dr. Richard Schaefer is an orthopedic surgeon with the AAOS and is a colonel in the Army based in Virginia. The 28-year veteran said he was pleased to be a part of building the playground. “It’s a privilege to be able to give something like this playground for children so deserving for them to play safely and also an accessible playground for handicapped children.”

Zorich, who is working at Saint Sabina, said, “This is exciting for me. It’s a chance to meet a bunch of people from different communities to build something for kids. It’s a great thing.”

Dr. Richard Ressman, an orthopedic (photo) surgeon, said, “I’ve been doing this for ten-years. It is great for the community. It brings people together and helps reduce some of the violence in the neighborhood by getting people together.”

A resident at Northwestern University, Dr. Joan Williams said, “This is a great opportunity.” “I think this community has done a lot to make it a safe place for their kids and give them alternative activities to do. Hopefully, this playground will just add to that.”

Dr. Michael Flippin, an orthopedic surgeon, carried huge plantar boxes. “I think this is an excellent opportunity to give back to the community. I’ve been blessed. I think it’s a great opportunity to help others and do things that will make a lasting impression.”

In practice for seven-years, Dr. Flippin, who did his residency at Howard University, attended medical school in San Diego, said the violence that has plagued Chicago “is sad” but that the playground “gives an opportunity to do something positive in the community and to give people a good, safe atmosphere.”

Ed Barker, volunteer, said the Saint Sabina playground is number 50 for him. “It’s fun. It brings community together.” Asked about the violence, he said, “It’s a shame. I grew up on the South Side. I see no reason for this. It tears apart communities unnecessarily.”

In practice for 22-years, Dr. Leon Benson, with the Illinois Bone and Joint Institution (IBJI), clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Chicago and a member of the AAOS, said, “This is a way to give back to the community. In concert with the AAOS, I believe our role is not just treating injuries but also preventing them.”

Pfleger fed them well. Hel’s Kitchen provided the catering. Smoke filtered into the air from two barbecue pits where hamburgers and hot dogs were slowly cooking. A tent, provided by the IBJI was outside loaded with food and fruits, but down in the McMahon Hall, hundreds were lined up to get sandwiches, slaw, potato chips, beverages and numerous types of deserts.

Outside the Chicago Blues All Stars band had Benny the Bull and some volunteers gyrating their hips to some funky down home blues. Ald. Latasha Thomas (17^th) appeared briefly to show her support.

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host. You can e-mail Strausberg at: Chintabernie@aol.com.