Wednesday, October 24, 2001
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Wednesday, October 24, 2001 |
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Help sought to keep Play Park open By DAVE
HAMRICK
Remember the massive fund-raising and volunteer effort that built the Fayette Family Play Park? More than 3,000 volunteers contributed time and money to build the 13,000-sq. ft. structure in 1994, but now it's in danger of being closed down unless there's a new funding effort to help maintain the park. Free and open to the public, the park was built on land made available by the Fayette Family YMCA, and the Y was left with the cost of maintaining it, said director Pam Young. That cost is running about $10,000 a year more than $80,000 to date and the most critical immediate need is for special mulch that must be replaced every two to three years, to provide a safe cushion for youngsters playing in the park. Cost to replace the mulch is $4,000 to $5,000, and no funds are available, said Young. Young said the park receives visits from about 26,000 families a year, and wear and tear on the wooden play stations is more than most people would realize. The Y replaces several swings every year at a cost of $58 apiece, for example, and the wood must be sanded down and sealed every year as well. "People don't realize that when it does get such a magnitude of usage ... it starts adding up," said Young. "We feel a responsibility to our community, but the safety of visitors must come first," said Rod Arion, YMCA board chairman. "If we have to close the park until it is safe, we will." One way to contribute and keep the park open, Young said, is to become a YMCA member. The charitable association is committed to wellness of spirit, mind and body, said Young. Y members also enjoy a variety of programs for the family, from sand volleyball and picnics to CPR and first aid classes. Yearly membership fee is $35, which helps support the Play Park and all the other YMCA programs. "It helps support the mission of building a stronger community, and allows them to be a part of that," said Young. Members receive information on upcoming programs and registration deadlines and have the opportunity to volunteer in youth programs or the Partner with Youth Annual Campaign. And membership fees will help ensure that the Play Park stays open for everyone. "It's a vital part of our community," said Young. Tax deductible contributions also may be made to the Partner with Youth Annual Campaign, or can be designated specifically for Play Park maintenance. "Any kind of support would be beneficial," said Young. Civic organizations also can help by contributing funds or scheduling work days to help keep the park or other YMCA facilities functioning, she added. To volunteer, become a member or contribute, visit the YMCA at 215 Huiet Road, Fayetteville, or phone 770-719-9622 (YMCA).
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