More than 400 cumulative hours of work, hundreds of volunteers, three phases spanning several weeks, and 30 gallons of sealant. Restoration of the popular Fort Sherman Playground at City Park downtown was completed on Saturday.

Organized by the Idaho Panhandle Kiwanis, the project involved volunteers from a wide sector of the community, said Kiwanis President Dave Kilburg. The final phase included applying sealant to the “thirsty wood” on the playground. Previous phases included power washing and painting colorful features.

“What’s really neat is that about half of the overall volunteers were high school and college kids donating their time. The playground has a fresh breath of new life,” Kilburg said of the wooden structure, built 18 years ago by community volunteers.

Kilburg acknowledged helpers from the Key Clubs of Coeur d’Alene and Lake City high schools, as well as student athletes representing several sports from North Idaho College. About half the membership of the Panhandle Kiwanis also participated in the restoration.