Crown Hill's Small Faces Child Development Center celebrated its 35th year as a nonprofit organization Sept. 11. And, for the first time in 35 years, the older children of Small Faces had a playground of their own to celebrate on.

In addition to the anniversary, Sept. 11 was the official debut of Small Faces' new playground for older children. Before that, Small Faces only had a preschool-centric playground.

John Otto, executive director of Small Faces, said he found a letter from the 1980s signed by students and a teacher asking for a playground for older children.

The new playground was built by volunteers in two days, but it took a week before children were allowed to use it, Otto said.

"The kids could just not wait," he said. "They were on the other side of the fence like, 'Please just let us in.'"

Otto said he is looking forward to another 35 years of Small Faces. And, now that Small Faces owns its facilities at the Crown Hill Center, there is a chance to make some real improvements, he said.

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