Delridge Playground update: The design, & the merry-go-round

If you’re going to talk about a playground on a warm almost-summer night, why not do it outside? So that’s exactly what Delridge Playground project organizers decided to do, setting up that table outside the Delridge Community Center tonight. The main task: Decide which of the three designs (all shown in this WSB report) to choose, before Delridge’s new playground gets “built in a day” next month by KaBOOM! – with volunteer help. Design #3 is way out in front:

(This link also shows you its full schematics.) Besides taking votes tonight, they were also accepted by e-mail and at the playground-fundraiser booth at Delridge Day (shown in this report), which by the way brought in enough money to put the community-contribution total over the top. Another vote tonight was for the swing setup; results – two regular swings, one bucket swing, one disability-accessible swing. Also tonight, the fate of the current playground’s popular merry-go-round was discussed; Parks Department rep Maureen A. O’Neill said it’ll be removed, but it can be stored, and maybe painted and fixed up – any time a playground has major changes like this, O’Neill explained, everything has to be brought up to safety code, and she says that means the merry-go-round would need a “textured wood structure” underneath, plus some drainage and concrete work, totaling about $15,000, which would require a lot more fundraising, and/or perhaps another city Small and Simple Grant. But she promised the merry-go-round would be removed and stored carefully. One more note: While the fundraising goal’s been met, LOTS of volunteer help is needed to make the playground happen on July 17 – more than 100 in all – e-mail helpdelridgeplay@gmail.com if you can help.

12 Replies to "Delridge Playground update: The design, & the merry-go-round"

  • alki_2008 June 2, 2009 (12:02 am)

    Was going to send an email to volunteer for the build day, but then checked the calendar and realized it’s on a Friday. Hhmmm, not sure why it’s planned that way. I can understand wanting to have it ready before the weekend, but seems like having the build on a Saturday would help ensure they can get enough volunteers. Will still try to make it though.

  • Chris Southam June 2, 2009 (7:18 am)

    Our understanding from the meeting last night (where that question was asked) is that BOA, the corporate sponsor, requested that the build day be on a ‘workday’ so their employees (100+ of them) could come out to work on the project during working hours.

    We realize that a Friday build day will be hard for some people… but check with your employers, as many have policies that allow employees to take a paid day off to volunteer.

  • Nancy F. June 2, 2009 (8:00 am)

    I’m in! A Friday is sort of awkward, but then again it leaves the weekend free for the sports leagues and the other usual activities. I can swing a few hours away from work. I’m just grateful for the support of Bank of America and KABOOM!

  • sam June 2, 2009 (8:15 am)

    me too alki_2008. I was all set to volunteer, but not sure if I can on a Friday either. maybe I could make it for a half day though? does anyone know if it would be feasible to volunteer for the afternoon? or would that not work with the logistics of orientation, etc.

  • Nancy F. June 2, 2009 (8:25 am)

    P.s. I just noticed the 100+ employees to help. Wow! Yeah, I’m willing to trade a few hours of work to be outside (twist my arm) in order to get that sort of help!

  • Chris Southam June 2, 2009 (9:24 am)

    Sam –

    I’m sorry to say this, but the afternoon probably won’t work, as our hours on the project will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    If you have more questions, feel free to drop us a line at helpdelridgeplay@gmail.com

  • alki_2008 June 2, 2009 (10:10 am)

    Chris, what time is the orientation meeting that’s on Wednesday (7/15)? I realize I could also just ask via email, but might help to have it noted here too for others to see as well. Thanks.

  • Let's build a playground June 2, 2009 (10:46 am)

    If you are employed, ask your employer about paid time off for volunteering. If you are unemployed, community service looks great on a resume. If you are an employer, consider letting your employees take the day off. If you are looking for employees, come recruit! maybe we can make some matches!!

  • coolmama June 2, 2009 (12:02 pm)

    We are soooo excited about this project! Unfortunately we will be out of town on the day they are building it, but otherwise we would absolutely have been there.

    We just bought a house in the neighborhood nearby and will get in insane amount of use out of this playground. Thank you to everyone who is helping to make this happen!

  • Chris Southam June 2, 2009 (12:51 pm)

    My understanding is that none of the build day volunteers will be required to be there on the 15th unless you’re a Build Captain. I can find out the specifics on the Build Captain obligations and get back to you… we’re meeting up tomorrow and I can probably get the question answered then.

    There will be work accomplished on the 15th (and 16th if we need it)… things like site preparation, unwrapping of the goods, cutting lumber and the like.

    If you can’t make it on the 17th, but can on the 15th, we could absolutely use your help.

    And, again, thanks to everyone for your interest in the project… we hope to see you in July!

  • Holli June 2, 2009 (3:57 pm)

    Please note: The KaBoom.org website underwent an upgrade of sorts. As a result the original Delridge Way Seattle Group got lost. We’ve created a new one, and the new site upgrade resulted in a subdomain (our own website of sorts).

    So, check it out, and join!
    http://projects.kaboom.org/helpdelridgeplay

  • Karrie Kohlhaas June 22, 2009 (8:25 pm)

    So excited to be part of this amazing event.
    Here is a video to get everyone inspired:

    http://kaboom.org/FunStuff/KaBOOMVideos/tabid/629/Default.aspx?PageContentID=245

    This is truly a chance to make a difference and have a beautiful experience supporting a great community. Hope to see you there!

    To sign up: helpdelridgeplay@gmail.com

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