Adding More Joy to Canyon Creek Park

Adding More Joy to Canyon Creek Park by Meredith Watkins

If you imagine that the sparkling creeks are the lifeblood of our neighborhood, and the waterfall is its pretty face, one could argue that Canyon Creek Park is the true heart of our neighborhood—if not by geography, then in spirit. For generations, children have grown up climbing, swinging, tottering, sliding, discovering and laughing together right there, among the yellow and blue equipment.

The Worlein family lives just houses away from Canyon Creek Park, and it has been an extension of their home since they moved to Richardson in 2007. You might know them: Lyz cheerfully introduces them to other parents at the park as “the only family in the neighborhood whose members all have red hair.” For years, Lyz would load daughters Vivian and Charlotte into a bright red wagon and stroll to the park, while husband Jim and son Hank preferred to ride bikes. They have been fi xtures at the park, helping organize springtime egg hunts, drying off from Canyon Creek Pool on the swing set, or unwinding from busy days with afterschool play dates. Always at the park.

Many neighbors’ memories of the park involve the Worleins, like Parker Berry, who at 5 years of age, jumped off of a swing, fell, and knocked his tooth loose, resulting in his fi rst Tooth Fairy visit. When he landed, he remembers that his kindergarten buddy, Vivian, was the fi rst to rush over, dust him off and comfort him.

In September 2012, an MRI revealed that Vivian Worlein, then just 6 years old, had a brain tumor. In the four years that followed, she would undergo brain surgery, radiation and chemotherapy to fi ght cancer. These treatments affected her mobility, eyesight, hearing, and balance, and the fi rst grader who once loved to dance and play would soon be unable to traverse much of Canyon Creek Park’s terrain. At times supported by a wheelchair or walker, Vivian and her family would still go to the park to spend time with friends. Grassy fi elds that meant games of tag before were often unmanageable, and the soft mulch that cushioned Parker’s fall was almost impossible to roll across in those days.

Vivian’s mobility greatly improved after years of grueling physical therapy, and she returned to playing at the park again. One of her favorite activities was watching wobbly toddlers like her next-door neighbor Sam Shasteen. Sam’s mother Sara remembers, “Vivian was his safety net, following after him as he climbed the ladders, making sure he did not fall.”

After several years of being in remission, Vivian’s health took a drastic turn in January 2017. Tragically, she passed away on Feb. 11, 2017. Her family and friends have been devastated by the loss. However, once the shock of their grief began to evolve, they knew

Photography by Emily Mulkey

they wanted to memorialize the joy, kindness, and exuberance that Vivian brought to the world. Where else should this memorial be but in Canyon Creek Park?

With a generous donation from the Canyon Creek Elementary PTA and; private donations from friends, family, Jim’s colleagues and clients— – along ;along with the help of the Canyon Creek Homeowners Association— – the park will soon have a brand-new element on the playground in Vivian’s honor. Known as a “Ten Spin,”, the big spinner shaped like a Hershey’s Kiss with built-in seats will accommodate up to 10 children at once.

Best of all, children of all physical abilities and ages—like the toddlers Vivian loved to help, or children who need assistance walking or pulling themselves up—can join in the fun by sitting, kneeling, or standing together on the inclusive Ten Spin. It will be surrounded by poured-in-place rubber playground surfacing, making that section of the park smoother and more accessible for all children, whether on foot or on wheels. The Ten Spin area will be a joyful way to keep Vivian’s memory alive in the hearts of old friends and share with new neighbors who enjoy the park.

Canyon Creek Park Playground Renovation

The City of Richardson’s Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with those working on Vivian’s memorial to make the dream a reality sooner, rather than later. The Canyon Creek Park Playground was one of several playground replacements specifi ed for funding in the 2015 city bond program, but was not scheduled for renovation until late 2020. To coincide with the Ten Spin installation for Vivian’s memorial, the City has changed its timetable. The replacement of the Canyon Creek Park Playground is now scheduled to be complete by the end of December 2017.

Watch for information from the City on a public meeting to gather your feedback on the new look of the Canyon Creek Park Playground—coming soon!