Carlisle North Park Playground Project

My husband, Dr. Tyler Villiard, and I have owned Des Moines River Dental Care in downtown Carlisle since 2017. We love raising our two girls, Ruth and Bea, in this small

Iowa town. We quickly learned, however, that the playground equipment in Carlisle is outdated and not accessible to children of all abilities. Rather than take our girls out of town to find better options, we decided to help bring better opportunities for outdoor play to our hometown of Carlisle.

We are excited to announce that the city has approved our proposal for a new state-of-the-art playground at North Municipal Park in Carlisle, Iowa! This play structure will include at least five slides and multiple climbing elements. There will be a music area and new swings. Best of all, the play structure will be placed on rubber surfacing and have wide ramps, making it and the swings completely handicap accessible. Children of every ability level will be able to utilize this space. A destination playground like this will attract visitors to our community and more recognition for our town. What a spotlight this will shine on Carlisle!

The playground will be named in memory of Dex Mehrhoff. Dex's family, Jason, Kara and Mary Grace Mehrhoff, contacted us about helping with the playground to honor their son's memory. Dex had been diagnosed with Down Syndrome early in the pregnancy. Sadly, Dex was stillborn on October 19, 2021. As members of the Carlisle community (Jason is a teacher and coach), they understand firsthand the need to make sure Carlisle has an inclusive playground. We were moved by the Mehrhoffs' story and their desire to impact the Carlisle community in a positive way.

Our dental practice has pledged to fund 70% of this project. We need your help raising the remaining $200,000 for this game-changing project. We invite you to join us in this community project where businesses and families can work together to provide a safe, fun space for families to gather, connect and build lifetime friendships. Together we can help make Carlisle one of the best places to raise a family in Iowa!

Here is how you can help:

1. Donate online using the link on this page for Friends of Carlisle Parks (a 501c3 organization), OR

2. Drop off or mail a check payable to Friends of Carlisle Parks to our dental office: Des Moines River Dental Care, 65 School Street, Carlisle, IA 50047. Please make sure to include "Carlisle North Park Playground" in the memo on your payment.

3. Follow us on Facebook at the Carlisle North Park Playground Project to watch our progress!

We appreciate your support!

Dr. Emma Villiard D.M.D.

Des Moines River Dental Care