A Dream Realized: Ribbon Cutting at the Kenton Krehbiel Inclusive Playground at Villa High

Today was a day of joy, celebration, and community spirit in Colby as the long-awaited Kenton Krehbiel Inclusive Playground at Villa High Park officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

What began as a dream nearly a year ago has now become a vibrant, living reality-a playground designed for every child to play, laugh, and belong.

A Community Effort Becomes Reality

Over the last year, a coalition of local organizations—including the Kiwanis Club of Thomas County/Colby, the City of Colby, Rotary Club, the Thomas County Community Foundation, and a group of dedicated parents—worked tirelessly to bring this inclusive playground to life. With the help of Cunningham Recreation and the generosity of local citizens and businesses, over $500,000 was raised to rebuild the decades-old Villa High playground into something new, modern, and most importantly, accessible for all.

This project was inspired by both the memory of Kenton Krehbiel, a longtime Kiwanis member who volunteered at Villa High for years, and the heartfelt voices of parents in the community advocating for a space where children with disabilities could play alongside their peers.

Ribbon Cutting Celebration

This morning, under cloudy skies and muddy grounds, the community gathered to celebrate the official opening of the playground. The Krehbiel family, Mayor Leiker, Kiwanis members, and committee leaders all spoke in front of a crowd of over 100 people, sharing the story of persistence, passion, and teamwork that made this dream possible.

And then came the best part—the ribbon was cut, and the children rushed in to play. Laughter filled the air as kids explored the new equipment, climbing, swinging, and sliding side by side, with no barriers holding anyone back.

To cap off the event, everyone enjoyed a free BBQ lunch, a fitting way to celebrate the power of community coming together.

More Than Just a Playground

This playground is more than just a new addition to Villa High—it’s a statement about Colby’s values. It’s a place where every child, regardless of ability, can play, grow, and create memories.

“This park is going to be an amazing asset to our community,” said Rotary’s Josh Ryan. “Families shouldn’t have to drive hours away to find a place like this. Now we have something right here at home that makes Northwest Kansas more welcoming and inclusive.”

Colby City Manager Ron Alexander echoed that sentiment: “By offering a facility such as the Kenton Krehbiel Inclusive Playground, the quality of life for children and families will be enhanced through outdoor play—not just for our residents, but for travelers passing through northwest Kansas as well.”

A Day to Remember

Today’s ribbon cutting wasn’t just the opening of a playground—it was the celebration of a dream fulfilled, a community united, and a brighter future for all children in Northwest Kansas.

As kids laughed and played together under the cloud covered skies, it was clear: this park is already doing exactly what it was built to do—bring joy to everyone!