TMP Reports
Posted: Wednesday, October 7, 2009 3:44 pm

Home Depot employees Andy Davis (left) and Dustin Cope (right) pour concrete footers for a new swingset at Spring Valley Apartments. TMP/M. Willard

Dalonta Reynolds can’t wait until the new playground at Spring Valley Apartments is finished.

The 5-year-old plays on the playground when he visits his grandmother, Linda Warrick, weekly and he’s excited about the new swings, slides and other equipment.

“It’s gonna be for us,” he said. “Everybody’s gonna be there.”

The playground’s design is based on drawings by children who live at Spring Valley Apartments. The apartment complex’s current playground equipment is unsafe for daily use by the more than 140 children who live there.

But a new playground was installed Wednesday by Home Depot, the Academy of Country Music, KaBOOM! And the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties.

The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties supports early childhood learning programs, and works to better the lives of the families who live at Spring Valley Apartments.

Country music artist LeAnn Rimes was on-hand to volunteer with others from The Home Depot, Academy of Country Music, KaBOOM!, the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties, and community members to build a playground in just one day at Spring Valley Apartments.

Rimes was honored as the 2009 recipient of The Home Depot Humanitarian Award at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards this past April in Las Vegas.

The Award recognizes country music artists who serve others, have a generous spirit and help build the dreams of those in need.

In addition to recognition at the Awards show, the Humanitarian Award recipient receives a KaBOOM! playground donated by The Home Depot built in the city of their choice. Rimes selected Murfreesboro as the site for her playground build.