Recognizing Communities for Turning Research Into Practice
Getting Personal
To the community of Sheridan, Wyoming, Whitney Commons Park is more than a playground, it's a celebration of their rich history and distinct identity. Coal mining played a crucial role in shaping Sheridan’s early development. In the 1890s, the arrival of the Burlington Railroad inspired the creation of coal mines along the Tongue River. Between 1890 and 1920, Sheridan County’s population grew rapidly as people from diverse backgrounds moved to the area in search of opportunity.
To honor that heritage, Sheridan’s Parks department and local foundation, Whitney Benefits, partnered with GameTime to design custom play attractions inspired by the town’s mining history. Children can explore little mining tunnels or climb aboard a black train, sparking new adventures with each visit. The playground even features a climbable bison, celebrating one of Wyoming’s most famous residents.