LEE, Mass. — For generations, Lee Athletic Field has been a cherished haven where children ran, climbed, and played on the playground. However, they eventually outgrew the equipment, leaving behind the joys of climbing, swinging, and exploring.

 

As they aged, the park's other amenities were embraced — shooting hoops, skating, playing tennis, or taking up pickleball — but the nostalgic thrill of playground adventures faded into the past.

 

The 15 ninja-style obstacles, including cargo nets, rope climbs, cliffhangers, ascending monkey bars, and more set on accessible, cushioned playground turf called Forever Lawn designed with a 15-foot safety critical fall height in mind, Neighborhood Ninjas Executive Director Alex Katz said.

 

On Aug. 8, more than 60 volunteers helped build the area's first ninja park. Katz said it's Neighborhood Ninja's goal to bring people together, and instill resiliency, confidence, and tools to overcome obstacles.

 

"I've been fundraising for this for the last two years, the town was working on it before they got me involved, and it's really cool to actually seeing it go up and just in time for our grand opening on Aug. 22," she said. 

 

"Then it'll be here for Lee Founders Day in September. So, it's really, really cool to see not only it go up, but the community come together to put it in place."

 

The grand opening will take place on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9 to 11 a.m. and will feature celebrity ninjas, remarks from local, state, and nonprofit officials, vendors, and a chance to play on the obstacle course with guided instruction.

 

While the park is close to complete, the nonprofit still has sponsorship opportunities for its playground and grand opening, Katz said. 

 

Businesses, individuals, or foundations interested in supporting the project will receive recognition through promotional materials, event banners, and permanent signage at the playground. Sponsor or donate here. 

 

Once the ribbon is cut marking the opening of the playground, the collaboration with Neighborhood Ninjas will continue through free community programming that focuses on turning obstacles into opportunities, cultivating perseverance. 

 

Neighborhood Ninjas has been working with Lee officials to bring the park to life through fundraising efforts and by applying for grant funding. 

 

So many different people from various organizations came to the community build event to work together in constructing this park that will be a resource for Lee and the surrounding area, said Alex Heddinger, Lee Chamber of Commerce executive director. 

 

Some of the organizations included Lee's Department of Public Works, UNICO, and Beacon Bank, she said. 

 

Other businesses also helped by providing refreshments including free pizza from Lee Domino's, mini protein shakes from Whitney Gonyaw with Arbonne, and a Hydration Station from Hilltown Property Care. 

 

This park is going to be a destination that brings people and local groups together, whether its through play or workshops, Heddinger said. 

 

"One of the things that has really impressed me about the whole Ninja Fit approach is that it's not just about physical fitness, but it's about resilience and empowerment," she said. 

 

When an obstacle seems challenging at first, you keep pushing until you eventually conquer it. That moment builds confidence, reminding you that setbacks aren't the end of the road — they're another step on the path to success, Heddinger said. 

 

The community build itself reflects what the park represents, with volunteers of all ages and skill levels working side by side, whether it's pushing wheelbarrows, mixing concrete, checking that pieces were level or keeping volunteers hydrated by distributing water. 

 

"The fact that everybody is a piece of the puzzle, I think, is a really amazing thing that this endeavor has illustrated," Heddinger said. 

 

The build also gives the community a sense of ownership in the park, knowing they are part of the reason why it exists, she said. 

 

During the event, Heddinger met a family from out of town who regularly stops at the park as a halfway point on their trips back to New York. 

 

They were excited about the initiative, saying once their children outgrow the playground, the ninja park will give them another reason to keep the tradition of stopping in Lee alive, Heddinger said. 

 

The ninja park supports Lee's local businesses, encouraging visitors to eat at their restaurants or go shopping in the downtown shops or the outlet, she said. 

 

The initiative is part of the town's broader effort to improve parks and playgrounds, expanding access to recreational facilities that have been "a little limited" in Lee, Select Board member Sean Regnier said. 

 

"As a resident of Lee for the last 12 years. There is nothing like this anywhere in the Berkshires, or within an hour driving distance of the Berkshires," said Josh Bloom, Lee Youth Commission vice chair and treasurer. 

 

Bloom's children took up the ninja sport about four years ago, and it has been costly because he has to drive them every week to Albany, N.Y., or Windsor, Conn., where the nearest obstacle courses were. 

 

The Ninja Fit obstacle course will give community members of all ages free access to the equipment, while Neighborhood Ninja and the town plan to offer programming to teach people how to use it and make the activity fun, engaging and a good source of exercise, he said. 

 

"We're excited about bringing a new sport and a new playground to the Berkshires that is innovative and different, and will be something from that will bring people from the Berkshires and all over to Lee," Bloom said. 

 

Many teens and adults have memories of running and climbing at a playground, but as they grow up, they age out of the equipment, often geared to kids 12 and under, Katz said. 

 

"This creates playground equipment that is suitable for teenagers and adults as well as younger kids, but it expands the functionality and the use of this park to be engaging for older kids and for being engaging for serious athletes and adults, and that is of real value to our community," Bloom said. 

 

The nonprofit Neighborhood Ninjas has worked to create something that kids can grow into, allowing teens, adults, and seniors to rediscover the love for play, including the nostalgic game, the floor is lava, she said. 

 

The initiative also helps address social isolation, especially in teens, and the lack of free recreation, which is a need many communities are experiencing, including Berkshire County.