From dream to reality. That was the abbreviated path of the Playground of Dreams in Kingfisher.

Those responsible for its inception and the driving force behind it were honored Monday as the 2023 Volunteers of the Year at the 85th annual Kingfisher Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

Award winners were Jenny Laudwig, Erin Scammahorn, Terri Stake and Taryn Kuehn, members of Kingfisher AMBUCS.

Terri Peck, the 2021 Volunteer of the Year Award winner, announced this year’s group of winners, whom she nominated.

The quartet - along with the late Glenda Wolf - initially raised money to buy trikes for children with disabilities.

“In 2013 the group became concerned because there was not a playground in Kingfisher for children with mobility challenges to play,” Peck explained.

“From that conversation, the dream began.”

It was called the “Playground of Dreams” and the group began the long journey of raising the daunting amount of funds needed to get it built in Kingfisher Park.

“Some people said this dream would never come true, but it was hard to convince these dreamers that it couldn’t become reality,” Peck said.

“Sometimes discouragement struck, but there was always someone in the group to spark the enthusiasm to keep the dream alive.”

There were some highs along the way, such as the City of Kingfisher agreeing to match funds, putting the playground closer to reality.

There were also lows. “In 2019, tragedy struck the dreamers when Glenda Wolf passed away,” Peck told the crowd.

“However, Glenda’s family were believers in the dream and asked for others to support the playground in memory of Glenda’s dream.”

Though tragic, Wolf’s death spurred even more community support.

“In October 2019, the playground equipment was ordered and today the Playground of Dreams is used by children of all ages and mobility,” Peck said.

“The playground became a reality because of a loving and caring community, but it all started with the dreamers.”