CityView Magazine

30 | July/August 2018 park site and continues to raise money to develop its facilities and programs. It also relies on help from volunteers. During monthly work days, volunteers tackle such tasks as clearing debris, building fences and tending the flower garden where blooms, such as lilies and gladiolas, can be cut and taken home as gis for a loved one. Rick's Place also holds monthly "fun" days. "Rick's friends wanted to address a significant problem in service members' lives: reintegration aer war," Jordan said. "If we use Rick's example and his spirit to reintegrate into society in healthy ways, this was the inspiration for it." Plenty has been done. More is planned or in the works. A gravel parking lot should be finished in July. e wooden skeleton of a future wood-working shop stands next to the foundation's main office, located in a cozy two-story home. Nearby, there's land that may be used one day for a corral – or for paintball fights. Jordan pointed to a wood kiosk, recently created by a volunteer, which houses books that people can borrow on the honor system. She then paused and looked up at the trees all around. "Listen to the birds," she said. "And this is in the middle of Fayetteville." With its natural surroundings and its focus on relaxation and fun, Rick's Place provides military families a place for magical moments, she said. One day in late May, a group of children arrived at Rick's Place to participate in Messy Monday. e activity, funded through a private grant and offered in the spring and fall, allows children to create art projects with a variety of materials. On this day, they used glue, salt and bright dye to create art pieces composed of splotches, shapes and even their names. Smiles and giggles abounded. With its natural surroundings and its focus on relaxation and fun, Rick's Place provides military families a place for magical moments. About 400 people visit each month.

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