A 12-year-old from Utah is proving that you’re never too young to make a big impact! Clearfield resident Rosili Olson has turned her creativity and determination into reality, designing a playground for her younger sisters that’s now the pride of Bicentennial Park.

The story began last year when 11-year-old Rosili noticed the playground near her home wasn’t suitable for her sisters, who are four years younger. Instead of just wishing for change, she grabbed her crayons and drew up her vision for a safer, more engaging play area. With detailed plans in hand, Rosili took her bold ideas to City Hall, hoping someone would listen.

To her surprise, the city officials didn’t just listen — they embraced her vision. Eric Howes, Clearfield’s head of parks and recreation, was immediately impressed by the effort Rosili put into her designs. “When we saw the detail and care she had put into every part of the playground, we knew this was something special,” Howes shared at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Family, friends and Clearfield City officials help 12-year-old Rosili Olson, second from right, cut the ribbon on a playground at Bicentennial Park that she helped to design. Photo by Standard-Examiner

Initially, the city had already planned a new playground for Thornrock Park, but Rosili’s ideas arrived at just the right time for another project. “We had budgeted for a new playground at Bicentennial Park but didn’t have specifics,” Howes said. “Seeing all of Rosili’s work, we decided to use her design and bring her dream to life.”

Rosili and her mother, Annie Olson, attended several meetings with Howes to finalize the design. “Rosili is very strong-willed and wonderful,” Annie said. “She didn’t just have an idea; she followed through with it every step of the way.”

As the design was refined, the excitement grew. Rosili was hands-on throughout the entire process, from reviewing plans to picking the perfect colors. When it was completed, Rosili stood proudly alongside her family at a ceremony while the ribbon was cut, unveiling her playground masterpiece.

It’s even better than I imagined,” she said. “It’s so beautiful.”

Dozens of kids raced to test out the new equipment as Rosili looked on, proud of her achievement. “I wanted my sisters to have a place where they could have fun and not be bored,” she said, reflecting on her motivation for the project.

The new playground. Photo by Standard-Examiner

Howes, who had worked with Rosili throughout the process, expressed admiration for her dedication. “I don’t see this kind of commitment from adults very often, let alone from a young girl,” he noted. “She didn’t just create something to make herself feel better—she made sure her ideas became reality.”

Rosili’s mom credits the city for being so open to her daughter’s ideas. “The city was so gracious, more than I ever imagined,” Annie said. “They really made her feel heard.” Rosili’s story proves that even the youngest voices can bring about change.

When asked what advice she’d give to others wanting to make a difference, she simply said, “If you see something you want to change, go talk to someone and ask for help. You never know what might happen!”

Sources: People | Standard-Examiner