Gilbert Resident Calls for Removal of Park Slide After Suffering Serious Injury

Cory Clever, a 38-year-old Queen Creek resident and federal law enforcement officer, sustained a severe ankle injury after using a concrete slide at Gilbert Regional Park.

The incident, which occurred during a playdate with his 3-year-old daughter Lucia, has prompted Clever to call for the removal of the slide, citing its danger. Clever, who is also a disabled veteran, filed a claim against the town for $19,480 to cover his lost personal and sick leave, although his medical expenses exceeding $150,000 are covered by the Veterans Administration.

The accident happened when Clever went down the slide to reach his daughter, who had fallen and was lying at the bottom. He broke his ankle fibula and tibia, requiring surgery and hospitalization. The injury has significantly impacted his life, including his inability to perform daily activities and participate in volunteering for Operation Pay it Forward, a veterans-support nonprofit.

This is not the first incident involving the concrete slide. Previously, a grandmother and a realtor filed claims against the town for injuries sustained on the same slide. The town maintains that its playground equipment meets the standards outlined in the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Handbook for Public Playground Safety. However, there have been other reported injuries, including those of two children and another adult. Social media comments and direct reports to the town have also highlighted the slide's safety concerns.

This issue echoes a similar situation in Pismo Beach, California, where multiple lawsuits were filed over injuries from a concrete slide, leading to its eventual closure.

Gilbert School Leverages Local Partnerships for Educational Enhancement

Playa del Rey Elementary School in Gilbert has embarked on a significant endeavor to enhance its educational environment through community engagement. The initiative, spearheaded by the School Connect program, aims to foster partnerships between the school and local community members and organizations. The primary goal of these collaborations is to uplift student morale by making improvements to the school campus.

School Connect operates by creating a platform where schools can connect with external resources and support that are often underutilized due to a lack of direct communication. This is achieved through CAFEs (Community and Family Engagement events), which are gatherings that bring together schools and community partners to establish beneficial relationships.

Playa del Rey Elementary, located at 550 N. Horne St. in Gilbert, began this process by consulting its most crucial stakeholders – the students. The school gathered input on desired campus upgrades, resulting in a comprehensive book that visualizes potential improvements. Following this, a video was created showcasing students from each grade level discussing the significance of the school to them and the positive impact potential upgrades could have on their learning experience.

Katie Patty, a teacher and the School Connect Chair at Playa del Rey, emphasized the importance of this project, noting her personal connection to the school and the deserving nature of its students. The objective is to distribute the School Connect book and video to parents and local businesses in the upcoming months, in partnership with the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.

This initiative exemplifies the power of community-school partnerships in fostering a supportive and resource-rich educational environment. For more information on how schools can engage with their communities and to participate in a School Connect CAFE, interested parties can visit SchoolConnectAZ.org.

Gilbert Historical Museum Presents 'Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King' Photo Exhibit

HD South, home of the Gilbert Historical Museum, is currently showcasing a significant photography exhibit titled "Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King." This exhibit, available for viewing during the museum's regular hours in Gallery 4, is a collaboration between Art Intersection and HD South. It presents a remarkable collection of photographs from two distinguished photographers, Dan Budnik and Susan Berger.

Dan Budnik, renowned for his 55-year career as a photojournalist, captured pivotal moments of social, political, and cultural change. His work in this exhibit transports viewers back to seminal events of the Civil Rights Movement, including the Selma-Montgomery March, the March on Washington DC, and scenes surrounding the passage of the Voting Rights Act. These historical photographs offer a window into the intensity and emotion of these landmark events.

Complementing Budnik's work, photographs by Susan Berger are featured from her book "Life and Soul—American Streets Honoring Martin Luther King." Berger's work adds a contemporary dimension to the exhibit, reflecting the ongoing impact and legacy of Dr. King's life and work across America.

This exhibit not only honors Dr. King's legacy but also provides a visual journey through critical chapters of American history. It will be available for public viewing at HD South in Gilbert until February 10.

Studio 223: Crafting Creativity in the Heart of Gilbert

In the charming heart of historic downtown Gilbert, a unique establishment, Studio 223, is capturing the imagination of the community. More than just a space, it's a vibrant hub for creativity and social connection, blending the allure of DIY crafting with the joy of shared experiences.

A Creative Sanctuary in Gilbert's Bustling Downtown

Studio 223 emerged from a vision to create a space where people can unleash their creativity amidst the bustling restaurant scene of downtown Gilbert. It's a place that's as much about crafting and learning as it is about celebrating life's special moments. From birthday parties to team-building events, baby showers, or just a fun night out with friends, Studio 223 offers an inviting and versatile setting.

Workshops That Spark Imagination

The studio is renowned for its diverse range of workshops. These aren't just any classes; they're experiences that bring people together through the joy of making. From the ever-popular Wood Sign Workshop to an Intro to Power Tools, the offerings at Studio 223 are designed to cater to a wide array of interests. Whether it’s Cookie Decorating, Hand Lettering, or Floral Arranging, each workshop promises not just a skill but an unforgettable memory.

A Place for Everyone

What makes Studio 223 stand out is its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. It's a space where individuals can join open workshops to meet new people and learn together, or groups can book private events for a more personalized experience. The message is clear: everyone is welcome, and there’s something for everyone at Studio 223.

Community Feedback: A Hub of Happiness

The response from the Gilbert community has been overwhelmingly positive. Patrons often share stories of the fun, laughter, and learning they experienced at Studio 223. Many emphasize how the studio has become their go-to place for unique and enjoyable get-togethers.

Check out Studio 223: https://studio223az.com

Located at: 223 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234

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