When most kids draw, it’s an exercise in imagination. But for one 11-year-old girl in Clearfield, Utah, her crayon sketches didn’t just stay on paper—they turned into something far bigger.
Rosili Olson’s dream playground, drawn with just a few crayons and a lot of determination, became a reality in Bicentennial Park. The playground, inspired by her vision, opened to the public on September 24, 2024, much to the delight of the community and Rosili’s younger sisters.
Turning a Crayon Drawing into a Masterpiece
It all started when Rosili realized that the playground near her home wasn’t designed for younger kids like her sisters. Instead of just complaining or wishing for a better one, she took action. With her crayons in hand, she drew the perfect playground—a safe and fun space for all ages. Her drawing wasn’t just a whimsical doodle; it was full of thought and detail. We’re talking slides, a rock wall, a rope climb—everything a kid could dream of!
When she and her mom brought the drawing to City Hall, something amazing happened. The city’s head of parks and recreation, Eric Howes, didn’t just admire her initiative—he saw potential. The city had already budgeted for a new playground, but there weren’t any solid plans yet. Rosili’s timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
How It All Came Together
“It was budgeted, but we didn’t have any specifics,” Howes told the local paper, Standard-Examiner. “After seeing all the effort she put into those drawings, we knew we had to make her dream happen.”
This wasn’t a one-and-done kind of deal either. Rosili and Howes worked together, reviewing the design multiple times, tweaking things here and there until it was just right. Every detail she cared about was considered, even down to the color scheme. They wanted to make sure the playground wasn’t just functional but also captured the spirit of Rosili’s original vision.
Rosili’s involvement didn’t stop at the drawing. She was there every step of the way, working hand-in-hand with the city to make sure the playground turned out just how she imagined. In fact, she met with Howes four or five times throughout the entire process. Talk about dedication!
The Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Fast forward to September 24, 2024. The playground was officially ready, and Rosili got to be part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Standing beside her mom and sisters, she proudly helped open the park that she had a direct hand in creating.
“It’s even better than I imagined,” she said, beaming with pride. “It’s so beautiful.”
It’s not every day that a child’s drawing becomes a reality, but in this case, Rosili’s creativity and determination made it happen. The playground wasn’t just a structure made of slides and swings—it was a testament to what happens when young voices are heard and supported.
The Power of Community Engagement
Rosili’s story is a perfect example of how community engagement can lead to real change. It wasn’t just about a playground; it was about showing that even the youngest members of a community can make a difference. Her involvement sparked a collaborative effort between her family, the city, and the Parks & Recreation department, proving that big ideas can come from the smallest voices.
Rosili’s mom, Annie Olson, couldn’t have been prouder. “Rosili’s a very strong-willed and very wonderful person,” she told Standard-Examiner. “When she brought it up, I thought, ‘This is a big deal.’ All I did was call City Hall and ask, ‘Hey, do me a favor. Would you let my daughter come in?’ They were so gracious and so kind, a lot more than I ever could’ve imagined.”
A Model for Future Projects
The success of Rosili’s playground project shows that sometimes the best ideas come from those who are actually going to use the space. After all, who better to design a playground than a kid? This playground is now a safe haven for younger kids in Clearfield, all thanks to Rosili’s initiative.
For city planners and leaders, this is a model for how to involve the community, especially its youngest members, in meaningful projects. It’s a reminder that listening to the ideas of those who are often overlooked—like kids—can lead to creative and impactful solutions.
A Strong Call to Action
Rosili’s story is more than just a feel-good moment; it’s a call to action for communities everywhere. If you’re reading this and thinking, “Wow, I wish my town did something like that,” don’t wait for someone else to make the first move. Whether you’re a kid with a dream or an adult with an idea, take the initiative and reach out to your local government. You never know—you could be the next Rosili, turning a crayon drawing into a community landmark.
Final Thoughts
What started as a simple drawing turned into a playground that’s now a hub of joy and laughter. Rosili’s story reminds us that when creativity meets action, incredible things can happen. Her playground is more than just a set of swings and slides—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when young people take the lead and communities listen.
So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’ve got a wild idea or a simple suggestion, now’s the time to get involved. Because as Rosili has shown, sometimes all it takes is a crayon and a little courage to make a dream come true.