For the 11th consecutive year, the Minnesota Vikings took part in helping to build a playground in a Twin Cities community. The day started early for the Vikings as they participated in OTAs in Winter Park, then were loaded onto the team bus and left for Linwood Monroe Elementary School in St. Paul.
The construction of the brand new playground will not only serve the Linwood Monroe Elementary school, but the neighboring community as well.
“St. Paul has beautiful parks, but there aren’t as many in this particular patch,” Linwood Monroe principal Bryan Bass said. “An option like this for our neighbors and our students is a great bonus.”
The players assisted in a variety of ways in the building process. The linemen and linebackers were tasked with the heavy lifting. Teddy Bridgewater and Laquon Treadwell could be seen painting tiles with the students. Everyone did their part.
The Vikings were all smiles as they worked. “You see the kids come out and see how happy they are to see the playground,” defensive end Brian Robison said. “It is an awesome thing to be part of and we love doing it every year.”
Last year, the Vikings helped construct a playground at Falcon Heights Elementary School. The weather didn’t cooperate like it did this year, Bridgewater recalls.
“This is my third playground build with the Vikings and this is by far the best one. Great weather, great turnout today. And a ton of laughter, and a ton of fun,” he said.
For Head Coach Mike Zimmer, giving back to the community is something that will always play a large role in the Vikings’ identity.
“It is important to us as Vikings to win on the field, but in the community as well,” Zimmer said.
Got some good work done at the 2016 playground build with my brothas! @vikings #play60 #mattasiata @AdrianPeterson pic.twitter.com/FHCnqYE4Gk
— Charles Johnson (@MrInkredibleXII) June 2, 2016
