MINNEAPOLIS — Less than a week after the city of Minneapolis and state of Minnesota gave the Vikings a big present with financing for a new stadium, the Vikings were giving back to the community.
The Vikings participated in their seventh annual playground build at the Sheridan Arts Magnet School in Northeast Minneapolis Thursday, with more than 100 Vikings staff, executives, players and coaches helping build a complete playground set, filled with swings, activities and an eating area. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak was also on hand to help with the build that took the crew about six hours to complete.
It's one of the biggest community efforts by the Vikings, doing their part to help local schools.
"Obviously the community has given us so much," quarterback Christian Ponder said. "For me to be here a year, especially now, going 3-13 and having so many people in the stands against Chicago that last game. They've supported us through so much and through the whole stadium deal, so it's important for us to get out here and give back."
The Vikings teamed with Toro employees, the team's community partner and organizers from KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. The cost of the playground is split between Toro and the Vikings.
It's a project that takes three months of planning, according to Vikings director of community relations Brad Madson. The playground is designed based on drawings provided by the students who attended a design day and who will use the playground.
"It's just giving back of our time," receiver Michael Jenkins said. "We're fortunate to be where we are and can impact these kids' lives. It's huge to come out and do things like this."
Frazier helped to conclude the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony while most of the Vikings' 88-man active roster was on hand to help the build, meet local citizens and spend time with kids. The players took pictures and signed autographs for the kids.
"This does mean a lot to us," Ponder said. "I think everyone was excited about doing it. It's fun for us. It's fun for us, not only to be around the kids but to be with a lot of people from the community who are out here. It's very enjoyable for us, for sure."
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