We are referring to the dawn-til-dusk effort that has been going on all weekend down at the Boundary County Fairgrounds to have the new playground facilities ready for kid action by this coming Monday, the Memorial Day Holiday. Specifically, they want it done by the time the Memorial Day Parade ends downtown, Which is now about 36 hours away!
The Boundary County Parks and Recreation Department, and its
Board of Directors, are spearheading the project. The idea to replace the dated
and
relatively unsafe equipment that had previously
been in the park, some of it over 50 years old,
was first conceived about 6 years ago. Formal
discussion and initial budgeting and planning
for the project began about three years ago.The public launch of the project was last July 4. Remarkably, through the efforts of the Parks and Rec board, along with help, expertise, and fundraising done through the community, the project has come to realization within just one year.
The Board has raised $70,000 to complete Phases 1 and 3 of the three phase project. Phase 2, the PentaWeb webbed climbing structure (similar to one currently installed at Mt. Hall School) will be completed later pending accumulation of further funding.
Many individuals, organizations, and businesses have donated money, held fundraisers, donated items or services for auction, and in countless ways have helped raise money for this community project.
Add to that the countless donations made by many individuals of their own personal time and talents, including those who right now are showing up at the Fairgrounds for the final push to complete Phases 1 and 2 of the project--by the end of the Memorial Day Parade.
Is help still needed? Mulch will be placed on the ground around the equipment on Sunday and on Monday morning. If you have a shovel and a little time you could donate, feel free to show up and help spread the mulch.
The Parks and Recreation Board is planning an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 7, the same day as the Borders Three Jamboree Car Show and the Lawnmower races. That will be a great event where the community can celebrate how with vision, planning, and determination, this project was launched and completed within a year.
But Boundary County kids don't have to wait til then to enjoy the new equipment. They can break in the brand new playground this Monday, on Memorial Day, right after the parade.