For years, Ingrid Elena Pavia has dreamed of a playground/park in Boundary County for people of all ages and abilities ever since she and her children visited Fort Sherman Playground in Coeur d'Alene.

After a decade of brainstorming for a community play area that would replace the small, antiquated one in the Fairgrounds, her dream for a barrier-free "boundless playground" may be just around the corner.

Although more than 100 boundless playgrounds - play areas designed with easily-accessible equipment for a safer playing experience - in the U.S. and Canada have been built since 1997, none have been constructed in Idaho.

Pavia says she has spoken with several individuals and local groups who also love the idea and say they will support project.

The existing playground in the Fairgrounds is more than 20 years old and has two older swing sets, a jungle gym, a small sandbox, two small teeter totters and a wooden climbing apparatus.

"In search of an appropriate organization to set up funding through, I met Robin Merrifield, a director on the board of Boundary County Parks and Recreation, who has shared the same vision," said Pavia. "Robin was a significant fundraiser for Soroptimist International (a worldwide organization for women in management with more than 90,000 members in 126 countries), which provided funds for Fort Sherman Playground's 'castle.'"

Since every business and individual the organization contacted wanted to be a part of building the Fort Sherman Playground - an elaborate, 15,000-square foot play-structure designed by and for children - Merrifield said the group did not have to write any grants.

"Robin is behind the idea of a new playground/park for all ages and abilities in Boundary County 100 percent," said Pavia.

She also said Safeway manager Brett Brown announced that a portion of the proceeds from the upcoming Bonners Ferry Swish 3-on-3 basketball tournament this August will be donated towards playground equipment for the proposed park.

"Many people think it would be a great opportunity to involve the public in a community-built playground/park with trails as a hub to the other ones I've been pursuing through the Boundary Area Transportation Team and Safe Routes to Schools," said Pavia.

If the playground remains in the Fairgrounds area, she said it would also serve to help downtown-area businesses.

"While this is ideal, we are still considering a playground near the ball fields where there is more visibility but still has access to downtown via the bridge," Pavia added.

Once the organizational aspects of the project are set and the design established, she said the company overseeing construction of the playground could have it completed in approximately five days with community participation.

An organizational meeting at Mugsy's is scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 20 at 6:00 p.m. for those interested in making the playground a reality. A "Name the New Playground" contest is also in the works.

Names can be mailed to Parks and Rec, P.O. Box 419, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805-0419. Attn: Name the New Playground.