WARREN To build playground, group hopes volunteers will come
The nonprofit organization typically does projects in larger cities.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- They'll come with shovels, sledgehammers and garden hoses next month to construct a playground in Packard Park.
North End Environmental Development, or N.E.E.D. applied with KaBoom, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., last March to try to get a playground. KaBoom builds playgrounds around the country through corporate and community organizations.
Sprint has been working with KaBoom to build their playgrounds since 2001 and will kick in $80,000 for the Packard Park project.
"N.E.E.D. approached KaBoom because we felt that we needed to do something for the kids in the city," said Leslie Dunlap, secretary of the community group.
N.E.E.D. is working to raise $8,000 for the effort and Dunlap said fund raising is on target to meet the Aug. 23 deadline.
"I'm so excited about this," she said.
People interested in donating may call St. Joseph Church at (330) 393-0226.
What's needed
About 200 volunteers are needed for the project and Stephanie Shaw, public affairs manager for Sprint's Warren office, said no special skills are necessary.
"You just have to be willing to work," she said.
Volunteers for the Aug. 23 build date are asked to bring garden hoses, shovels, rock rakes, manual post hole diggers, sledgehammers and extension cords. Preparation work will be done Aug. 21 and Aug. 22 at the site. About 55 volunteers have signed up so far.
Shaw said that even people unable to work because of a medical condition can aid the effort by helping serve food.
Activities will be provided for children. Home Savings and Loan is providing breakfast for the volunteer workers and Sprint also is looking for a company or organization to provide lunch.
"One of the neatest things about it is that it's usually done in places like Los Angeles, San Jose, Atlanta," Shaw said. "Larger cities usually get these types of projects, so it's a real coup for Warren."
KaBoom's vision is to provide all children with fun and healthy play opportunities.
To sign up to volunteer, call Sprint at (330) 841-1223.
The new playground, next to the swings at the park, will feature slides, climbing apparatuses and other attractions. The city will maintain the playground upon completion.
"It's going to be great to see everyone come together and work together for a common goal," Dunlap said.
denise.dick@vindy.com