by Gerald Marcell still recalls the recess area at his primary school, which included backstops for baseball, trees on a hill that gave shade, and an asphalt field for games like basketball and four square.
He now contributes to the construction of playgrounds where a new generation of elementary school pupils in Fort Worth can enjoy themselves and create memories.
My parents both grew up on the Northside, where I enrolled in the first one, W.J. Turner, and I suppose the rest is history, Marcell said.
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These underappreciated heroes will come together for a luncheon at the conclusion of the year, where the Report will select one honoree to represent Tarrant County at the Jefferson Awards in Washington, D.C.
Marcell found a second act as a dedicated volunteer after working in computer technology, and he has no intentions to stop. He has helped construct 14 playgrounds for Fort Worth ISD.
Marcell was nominated for 52 Faces of Community, the Fort Worth Report’s weekly series that highlights unheralded heroes in Tarrant County, because of his unwavering volunteerism.
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Although Marcell, 71, has no formal construction experience, he was exposed to it through his grandfather and uncle, who were home builders.
It takes a few days to build a playground, and Marcell stated that he wanted to assist from start to finish. When a trailer loaded with disassembled playground equipment pulls up, construction starts. The materials are unloaded, arranged, and assembled by volunteers.
According to Marcell, if a company sponsored the construction, they would typically have a large number of volunteers to assist with the assembly of the playgrounds. Those of us who had constructed several playgrounds would then be given a group of volunteers to help assemble the slide, monkey bars, or other necessary components.
Marcell has emerged as a volunteer leader, according to Alma Pohler, the school district’s volunteer coordinator. In addition to consistently attending, he also invites others to do the same.
She claimed that he is constantly so upbeat, amiable, and emphasizing the benefits of volunteering that others want to continue doing it.
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The most satisfying aspect, according to Marcell, is witnessing the children’s enthusiasm and knowing they will love their new playground.
“I’m just amazed of what we’ve built so far,” he said, adding that occasionally the teachers let them parade or walk by. It’s nice to see them smiling, laughing, and waving at us in an attempt to get our attention.
He’s always so upbeat and amiable, and he never stops emphasizing the benefits of volunteering so that others want to continue.
Playgrounds are not the only place Marcell works. He has previously volunteered to make a birdhouse for Turner Elementary, phone stands for Atwood McDonald Elementary, and pencil holders for Mary Louise Phillips Elementary.
He also helps out at the Stop Six Food Drive organized by the school system.
Outside of schools, he helps out at Ridglea Christian Church’s community garden, which provides food to those in need. Nearly 1,000 pounds of produce were provided by the garden in its inaugural year to LVTRiseandWestAid, a nonprofit food bank that fights food insecurity in southwest Tarrant County.
According to Marcell, it’s simply crucial to be able to give back to those in need.
He has constructed more than a dozen playgrounds for upcoming generations, but he doesn’t think a legacy is necessary. He made it clear that he is only one of many people who volunteer their time.
Marcell remarked, “I don’t really care that I am much remembered.” All I do is volunteer.
McKinnon Rice works for the Fort Worth Report as a reporting fellow. [email protected] is her email address.
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