About Payton's Playspace
Welcome!
A child enters a shady green pine forest, meandering around tree trunks, her feet shuffle through brown pine needles. Lacy shadows dance through the canopy, twinkling softly as she explores.
She wanders into earthen fairy playhouses and along sensory pathways, playing musical instruments and collecting pinecones and flowers along the way. Caregivers watch from the picket-fenced perimeter that facilitates exploration in a safe, contained space. As she explores she gains a deep understanding of not only herself but the magic and wonder of the world around her.
This is Payton's Playspace.
our story
Jess & Tim Watson loved bringing their daughter, Payton, to the playground. Typically barefoot, she enjoyed exploring the surroundings, picking up pinecones and sticks. Being only 18 months old, they learned the playground was limited for toddler play. When Payton passed away unexpectedly in early 2022, the Watsons began collecting donations to improve the playground in her honor.
What began as intending to add a piece of toddler equipment turned into a complete playground overhaul. With the support of the Town of Grant-Valkaria, a partnership with the Grant-Valkaria Community Association, and a planning committee comprised of family, close friends, and trusted community members and business partners, the Watsons’ vision began taking shape.
They solicited the services of Play By Design, a playground design and construction company based out of Ithaca, New York. Play By Design helped fine-tune their ideas and turned what was merely a dream into a project that would change lives. Play By Design’s “community build” concept harnesses the compassion of the community to not only raise the funds necessary for a large-scale project, but also the volunteer hands required to construct a playground in five days. Every board was measured, cut, routed, sanded, and secured in place by a team of nearly 500 volunteers.
grant valkaria community park
This shaded 39.45-acre community park is home to the Town Hall and other facilities including restrooms, pavilions and a playground connected by a concrete walkway. The playground is loved and utilized by the community - over 100 Google reviews praise it for it's cleanliness, shade and usability!
BUILD WEEK... completed all by the hands of community volunteers
A huge THANK YOU to Our Sponsors
In Kind Sponsors
