Friday, March 15, 2002
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Friday, March 15, 2002 |
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Phase II of All Children's Playground to be installed by volunteers in April By JOHN
MUNFORD
The next date to install the second phase of equipment at the Luther Holt Memorial All Children's Playground in Peachtree City has been set. Citizen volunteers are needed to help with the project which is slated for the weekend of April 27-28. By installing the equipment with volunteers, it frees up more money for equipment, said Randy Gaddo of the Peachtree City Recreation Department, which is helping with the effort. The playground, which is located at Picnic Park near City Hall, is designed to be totally accessible to children with special needs although it is meant for the use of all children, Gaddo said. The playground is the first of its kind in the metro Atlanta area. "Making it totally accessible is a tough thing to do," Gaddo said. "It's really unique." Ramps lead up to the portion of the playground that's above the ground so children using wheelchairs and walkers can use all the equipment. The playground is surrounded with a resilient plastic surfacing instead of wood chips to further improve accessibility. The second phase will be connected to the existing playground but will be one foot higher. The slides will be longer and there will be more activity boards and interactive features on the second phase, Gaddo said. There will also be several climbing opportunities, he added. "The intent is to give all kids the chance to challenge themselves a little bit," Gaddo said. The funds were raised by the All Children's Playground committee, which secured $50,000 in donations for the second phase from residents, businesses and corporations. A third and final phase is planned for the future, but will need $100,000 to become reality. To reach that goal, the committee will be seeking more grants from corporations and other sources, Gaddo said. "We've gotten checks from $100 all the way up to the $10,000 level," Gaddo said. "You've got to give the committee a lot of credit for hanging in there." The third phase will include a swingset and a higher level for the third phase of equipment. Plans also call for the addition of a tot lot for younger children to enjoy. To volunteer for the installation of the second phase of equipment, contact the Recreation Department at 770-631-2542.
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