Under a cloudless sky, more than 50 people gathered on Sunday, April 14 to dedicate The Bandler Family Park and Field at Congregation Beth Israel (CBI), commemorating the hard work and dedication of CBI staff, board members and volunteers.

Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin led the guests in the Shehecheyanu blessing, a common Jewish prayer to celebrate special occasions. It expresses gratitude to G-d for new experiences.

According to Steve Bandler, CBI board president and chair of the Recreation Field Committee, the dedication event is certainly a special occasion, bringing the vision to create an inclusive park and recreation field that began nearly two years ago to fruition.

“It had long been a goal of the board of directors to utilize this land for recreational purposes, not only for our congregational families, but for the community-at-large,” said Bandler.

Located adjacent to the Temple at 10460 N. 56th Street in Scottsdale, the 1.131-acre outdoor facility includes a soccer field, basketball court, playground and concession stand.

Bandler and Mark Slepak, a member of the CBI board of directors and a member of the Recreation Field Committee, worked with Coconut Contracting, Dave Bang & Associates, AZ Sportscapes, GT Logistics, Gesher Disability Resources and Ability360 to bring the board’s vision of a fully accessible park to life, ensuring that the sports court, playground, and restroom are fully adaptive for all users.

In addition to the accessibility of the park’s offerings, sustainability was at the forefront when considering the type of landscaping that would be used. Trees and plants that are predominately native to the Southwest, require minimal water, are drought-tolerant and cold-resistant and are designed to attract birds and butterflies to enhance the ecosystem were planted. Where possible, recycled materials and astroturf were used throughout.

Rabbi Stephen Kahn, in thanking everyone for attending and extending gratitude to the Bandler family for their generosity, commented on the importance not only of the dedication event, but the park itself.

“Our brothers and sisters in Israel woke up this morning to another day of bombing, another day of knowing their loved ones are still being held hostage. We could have cancelled today’s event, but with the sounds of our children’s laughter ringing loud and clear, we are reminded how important it is to celebrate these important milestones,” said Rabbi Kahn.

Joining in the dedication event were Rep. Matt Gress (Dist-4) and Scottsdale City Councilwoman Tammy Caputi.

“As a Jewish councilwoman I was proud to be included in this project that makes this small corner of our community more inclusive, more sustainable, and more joyful,” said Councilwoman Caputi. “Rabbi Kahn reminded us that while our enemies are launching bombs, we are building community playgrounds. I hope many generations will enjoy this incredible facility.”

Echoing those sentiments, Rep. Gress said “despite the terrible attacks on the State of Israel last night, we cannot allow the terror from enemies to take away our capacity to celebrate community. Congratulations to Congregation Beth Israel on the grand opening of the Bandler Family Park. This ADA accessible park is a place for all to play and thrive.”

For more information about The Bandler Family Park and Field at Congregation Beth Israel, visit http://www.cbiaz.org.