Libby's legacy: Playground is tribute to Flintstone teacher

photo Rose, left, and Cecelia Davenport test a set of swinging platforms while volunteers construct a playground Saturday at Chattanooga Valley Church of the Nazarene in Flintstone, Ga. The playground is being built in memory of elementary schoolteacher Libby Gilley, who died of breast cancer in March.

The playground has swings - lots of swings - because those were Libby Gilley's favorite, her husband said.

On Saturday, Barry Gilley and a crew of volunteers celebrated his wife's life by assembling Libby's Living Legacy Playground at Chattanooga Valley Church of the Nazarene.

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"At 8 o'clock this morning there were only three people here to help, a mother and her two kids, and I got nervous," Gilley said in mid-afternoon. "But by late morning we had so many volunteers here, some I don't even know, who just wanted to help."

Pickup trucks carrying tools lined the church's parking lot. Women spread a pile of mulch under one of the plastic slides as men assembled tables under a pavilion and children ran around playing and offering occasional help. Volunteers smiled as they swapped stories about Libby Gilley and her influence throughout the community.

photo Kelly Hawkins bolts on anchors for swings while helping build the Libby's Living Legacy playground.

Libby was known throughout Lookout Valley for her love of children, and was a school teacher for more than 10 years, said Ann Buckner, a good friend of hers who was helping Saturday.

"She would be here today working circles around all of us if she could," Buckner said with a shovel in hand.

Libby Gilley battled breast cancer for five years before passing away in March. Barry Gilley pitched the idea to build a playground in her honor last hear. Initially, he said, his wife was reluctant, saying it felt egotistical, but eventually she agreed and began to help make plans.

After Libby died, Gilley raised more than $80,000 for the playground, which far exceeded the couple's original plans.

"Starting off, the idea was to build something small with about $10,000, but money and donations kept coming so we decided to build as much as we could," Gilley said pointing at multiple play stations and a pavilion with picnic tables.

photo Ginny Buckner helps construct a playground on Saturday at Chattanooga Valley Church of the Nazarene in Flintstone, Ga.

The Gilley family worked closely with the local company PlayCore, which discounted much of the equipment after hearing Libby Gilley's story.

The playground is visible from the main road, which Gilley said was important because he wants the community to feel welcome to use it. He also had security cameras installed for greater safety.

Paul Roland lives in Lookout Valley and is the owner of Hammer Down Contracting, a company that specializes in building playgrounds across the country. When he heard about this project from the local Ace Hardware store, he knew he wanted to be a part of building the playground.

"I grew up in the valley and have roots here," Roland said. "I am glad I was able to come out and be a part of this and offer some help."

Contact staff writer Kendi Anderson at kendi.anderson@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6592.

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