The Pilot Club of Quitman has added the next level of play, and fun, to Gov. Jim Hogg Park. Working with the city and park advisors, Delene Allen and Walter Lutonsky, the Quitman Pilots have purchased playground grade musical instruments for the park.

On Feb. 4 and 5, Child’s Play Inc. delivered and installed this colorful and playful new equipment which is focused on inclusive play. Attractive and intellectually and physically stimulating, each play instrument can be accessed and enjoyed by a person of any ability and any age. While fun, these playground grade instruments enhance user motor skills and allow a diverse group of people to be able to socially engage with one another while making music and joy.

With Allen and Lutonsky’s help, and recommendations from Casey Weiss, at Child’s Play Inc., the club purchased an Alto Quartet Ensemble consisting of chimes and conga drums. The club added visual and colorful bouquets of singing major and minor harmony posy flowers. To top off the section, the club added a Papilo Metallophone. The Papilo’s name is a nod to the elegant shape which resembles a butterfly. Tuned to the key of C-Major, the pentatonic nature of the instrument allows for no wrong notes. And, with an eight foot span, it can easily be played by four music makers.  

To be able to purchase this gift, the 40-member non-profit club worked hard on two fundraisers. They also applied for and received two generous grants. Pilot International contributed $5,000 and The Wood County Electric Charitable Foundation contributed $10,000. 

Quitman Pilot Sherry Johnson, grant coordinator and past Pilot International president (2014-15) said, “This project will add a permanent, enriching and inclusive feature to our park that can be enjoyed by everyone. We could not have accomplished our fundraising goals without the help of Pilot International, and the Wood County Electric Foundation.  We are enormously grateful. Both are wonderful organizations that make important and lasting positive impacts.”

Rodney Kieke, Quitman city administrator said, “What a wonderful gift. This addition greatly enhances our park and marks our city as a welcoming and inclusive-play friendly destination.” 

Pilot Club President Paige Eaton said, “This project ideally fits within Pilot’s International’s mission, and our own club’s mission, which is to influence positive change in communities throughout the world. To do this, Pilots come together in friendship and service, with a focus on encouraging brain safety and health, and supporting those who care for others.”  

The new equipment is ready to play on now, but this spring the club plans to host a public “ribbon cutting” type event to better introduce the instruments and to thank all of the club supporters and patrons.