Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Wednesday, October 20, 2010

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Country music stars Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry spent the day helping build a playground at Booker T. Washington Academy's intermediate center.

Country music duo Montgomery Gentry has dialed up another huge hit: a new playground and revamped green space for kids at Booker T. Washington Academy’s intermediate center.

In conjunction with receiving the 2010 Home Depot Humanitarian Award at the annual Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony, Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry got to build a KaBOOM! playground in Central Kentucky, their home stomping ground.

“Growing up, we had nothing else to do but get out and play. I love seeing new equipment that excites the kids to get out here and hustle,” Gentry said amid the building blitz. “We’re here to help out, but it’s Lexington who voted (online) to have it here,” he added.

The pair teamed up with volunteers from Home Depot, the Academy of Country Music and KaBOOM! to complete the work in one day. More than 250 folks pitched in, including students’ extended family and community supporters. Home Depot also contributed some footballs, jump ropes and other equipment.

“For the kids to see people who don’t know them and see how people care about them is incredible,” said Bobbie Mobley, the PTA treasurer, who oversaw the donated lunch.

Until now, students in grades 3-5 had limited options at recess – mostly rolling down a dusty hill, tossing a ball or chatting with friends on the blacktop.

“It’s going to be better because students can get exercise and play on the monkey bars, slides and swings,” said fourth-grader Gregorio Ortiz.

Tassa Wigginton, who has grandchildren at the school, noted that while it’s healthy for kids to simply play outdoors, “climbing and pulling and swinging use different muscles and develop coordination.”

The areas to the right and behind the school were a beehive of activity Wednesday with folks shoveling dirt and mulch, mixing concrete, painting bins for recycling, assembling a tool storage shed and hammering picnic tables, planters and tree benches. The new elements also include numerous garden beds and a small outdoor classroom with seating and a stage.

“You start with nothing, and at the end of the day, you have a playground, benches – all things you’ve built with your hands,” said Sarah Pinsky of KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit that makes environments healthier by creating great places to play. “A day like this can really transform a community.”

The kids had a hand in the project as well. Art teachers invited them to draw their ideal playground, and students made concrete stepping stones to place around the gardens. Fifth-grader Makaylah Rowlett arranged her small glass pebbles to spell out “BTWA rocks!”

“We also got to write a letter saying ‘thank you’ for building this,” she said.

Hallie Piatt, who teaches fourth grade, noted how the venture gave students an outlet to be both creative and proactive in improving their surroundings. “They’re very proud and have a great deal of ownership for this project,” she said.

The folks at Booker T. Washington Academy, who had been raising money for a playground for quite a while, will now use those funds for supplies, maintenance, another amphitheater and a walking path with fitness stations.

The musicians, who put in their share of sweat equity Wednesday, said it felt good to give back.

“It’s great to see communities get together and help each other out,” Gentry said during a short break.

“We’re ready to get it done,” Montgomery added. “I know the kids are ready!”

By the numbers:

• 3: Days needed for the concrete to set before kids can use the playground equipment
• 8: Weeks of planning to complete a playground project in one day
• 135: Cubic yards of mulch
• 207: Bags of concrete
• 250: Approximate number of volunteers on site at Booker T. Washington Academy
• 1,879: Total playgrounds built by KaBOOM!

A stellar service record:

Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry of the multi-platinum country duo Montgomery Gentry were selected as the Humanitarian Award recipients for their ongoing community service and charitable giving of their time and talent.

Together, they have served and supported the U.S. military and numerous charitable organizations, including the TJ Martell Foundation, St. Jude’s Research Hospital, Academy of Country Music’s Chairman’s Ride benefiting ACM Lifting Lives, USO Tours to the Persian Gulf, Hospice of the Bluegrass and Multiple Myeloma Foundation, David Dickens Melanoma Research Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Patient Advocate Foundation.

They also provide their individual time to two deserving philanthropies. Montgomery supports Camp Horsin’ Around in Lexington, which provides a camp facility equipped for children with serious, chronic illnesses and physical difficulties, and Gentry bolsters the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee.