Chad Aycock shared a simple request but a major undertaking.
“We have approximately 5,000 volunteer slots to fill over a nine-day build,” he said. “I know we can do it. We have a really good plan in place. We have a great committee in place.”
Aycock serves as volunteer coordinator for Tugboat Island Rebuild 2025, an ambitious volunteer- and donation-driven project to construct a river-themed Port Neches playground with green materials that are 95 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.
Set over 126,000 square feet at the site of the original Tugboat Island in Port Neches Park, major fundraising is complete, and the physical work is about to begin.
“We have a spot for everybody that can volunteer,” Aycock said. “We have skilled and unskilled worker positions for every single day of the build. If you can run equipment, if you can run a saw, if you can simply carry something, pick up a water bottle, provide food support, childcare support, this is for everybody.”
Volunteers can sign up with their skill level for specific time slots at Tugboatisland.com.
The build days are Feb. 19-23 and Feb. 26-March 2.
There are opportunities for morning, afternoon and evening shifts to accommodate all schedules. There are also weekday and weekend builds.
Organizers are seeking out partnerships with large and small groups, local industry, small and large businesses, church groups, school groups and families.
“We want everybody to sign up and come out to this build,” Aycock said. “I think this is a great opportunity for the community. It will be really cool to be a part of this.”
The donation effort was led by diamond sponsor Ed Hogenson, platinum sponsors Indorama’s Fish-O-Rama and Corbin Trust, as well as a host of gold, silver, bronze and park supporters.
Anyone who is seeking larger participation is welcome to sign up as a construction champion, who is someone who leads the build and volunteers each day. There are 16 of these elite volunteer positions available under the construction champion designation at Tugboatisland.com.
“We don’t have that long to get these volunteers organized and together, so you have been tasked with spreading the word,” Aycock said during a kickoff meeting Oct. 21. “We’re active. We’re ready. Let the volunteering begin.”
Indorama leaders announced yearly fundraiser Fish-O-Rama contributed to the rebuild, a project that supports its mission of sustainability.
“This new playground, made from recycled materials, will provide children in our community and surrounding areas with a space to play for years to come – and your support made this possible,” Indorama announced to Fish-O-Rama supporters.
