Kids Cove Playground

Kids Cove Playground The Origin Of Kids Cove of Ithaca, NY (Similar to a playground built 2 years prior in a town park near Frankville, WI). The 20,000 sq. ft.

The Lakeview Community Group was one of many community organizing committees, formed in 1998 under the auspices of the "Sustainable Racine" initiative. This group, averaging about 12 people, met monthly, selected local projects of group interest, took steps to investigate and brought a number of smaller volunteer projects to successful conclusion. In the Spring of 2002, it was decided we would tac

kle something larger and investigate construction of a playground somewhere in Racine, using the "Community Built" methods developed by Leathers & Assoc. In the Fall of 2002, this community group was joined by a Leadership Racine team of six which also had a goal of improving kid's recreational facilities in the City. By early 2003, the "playground people" had swelled to over 3 dozen and, after a year of planning, adoped a new name: The North Beach Playground Group". The playground design and features were selected based on ideas offered by 4th & 5th graders from Janes and Red Apple Schools, the grade schools nearest the selected site. The playground name was chosen via a naming contest run through all Racine Unified grade schools. playground itself was constructed over 7 days, beginning on Oct. 20, 2003, involving over 2,000 volunteers, with guidance from three Leathers's personnel. The pavilion, brick walkways and 800 ft. board walk winding its way North were done over another 7 days the following Spring. Total cash donations (individual, corp., foundation) to support these efforts amounted to about $310,00, with an additional $100,000 in estimated community contribution in the form of donated materials and services. On completion, the playground was donated to the City Of Racine. Kids Cove is maintained by a "Friends of the Playground" group in conjunction with the Racine Parks Dept. Money is set aside to help fund special maintenance activities, as well as cover feature repair/replacement costs, hopefully to span the entire 20 years projected life of the playground. While the City of Racine acquired a well-equipped, handicapped accessible playground through this effort, at least half the reward (and most of the fun) was in the 'barn-raising ' spirit developed among the volunteer builders. If you ever have a chance to participate in one of these, go for it! For right now, bring the kids down and enjoy!! Stephen Smiley & Bob Oertel - Co-chairs
The North Beach Playground Group

05/23/2026

Thank you Alexa McLain with Girls Inc. of SE Wisconsin for gathering art inspiration for our new murals. We visited with kids from several RUSD Schools, and got some great ideas. You.ll see sand castles, treasure hunting, and even delicious hot dogs in the art, thanks to the kids wonderful brainstorming sessions.

Come see the new art murals next Saturday, May 30 from 12-4pm at Kids Cove Playground. https://www.facebook.com/share/18xB6cQd9n/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Watch the interview, we’ll see you on May 30th!https://www.facebook.com/share/18xB6cQd9n/?mibextid=wwXIfr
05/11/2026

Watch the interview, we’ll see you on May 30th!

https://www.facebook.com/share/18xB6cQd9n/?mibextid=wwXIfr

RACINE, WI (CBS 58) -- In 2003, more than 2,000 volunteers came together on the shores of Lake Michigan to build Kids’ Cove Playground at Racine’s North Beach—a project led by community champions

05/08/2026

From unfinished murals to a renewed community effort, Racine leaders are helping write the next chapter of Kids’ Cove Playground. Watch this segment and more Sunday at 7 am on WMLW the M.

05/07/2026

More than 20 years after thousands of volunteers helped build Kids’ Cove Playground in Racine, the community is coming together once again to finish part of its original vision. Watch this segment and more Sunday at 7 am on WMLW the M. Kids Cove Playground

10/15/2025
🎨 Volunteers Needed: Kids Cove Playground Makeover! 🎨📅 September 14th, 9am-1pm📍 North Beach, RacineHelp us refresh our b...
09/05/2024

🎨 Volunteers Needed: Kids Cove Playground Makeover! 🎨
📅 September 14th, 9am-1pm
📍 North Beach, Racine
Help us refresh our beloved community playground! We need painters for benches and equipment. All supplies provided.
✅ Great for student volunteer hours!
✅ Any time you can give helps
Questions? Contact:
Dorothy Sack: 262-554-5419, [email protected]
Ken Sack: 262-488-3807, [email protected]
Let's keep Kids Cove vibrant for the next generation! 🌟

Address

1401 Michigan Boulevard
Racine, WI
53402

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 10pm
Tuesday 8am - 10pm
Wednesday 8am - 10pm
Thursday 8am - 10pm
Friday 8am - 10pm
Saturday 8am - 10pm
Sunday 8am - 10pm

Telephone

(262) 636-9131

Website

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