Playground
Seven Generations is building a playground! We initially partnered with Brian Slocum, Managing Director of Lehigh University Design Labs, and a team of Lehigh Design students, to create a sustainable playground model. When the project was complete and bids were received, we shifted directions to a simpler design using basic natural elements that could fit within our budget and expertise.
Click on the following link to see the team's research, inspiration and design process: Lehigh University Design Team Playground Site
Read about one of our playground work days: "Seven Generations Begins Playground Construction," www.emmaus.patch.com, August, 2011
All photos by: Jenae Holtzhafer for Emmaus Patch.
The summer of 2011: The groundwork was laid when the playground area was leveled, a retaining wall built to contain the mulch and wood stumps, and recycled tires and mulch from the local yard waste center were added. A climbing wall was built by volunteers.
The summer of 2012: Work continued with relocating the local yard waste mulch to an area adjacent to the play area; adding drainage stone and certified safety mulch to the play area; adding more tractor tires; reconfiguring the stumps; re-painting and relocating the climbing wall to the mulch area, and adding a simple piece of commercial equipment - a physical fitness climber (monkey bars). A reclaimed wire spool was refinished and topped with an outdoor chess/checker board.
Work in 2012-2013 will focus on smaller weekend projects, planning for summer 2013 work such as additional safety mulching, and middle school recreational planning.
All of this is made possible by the work of the Community Circle, Fundraising Committee and the Seven Gen community.
SO, HOW CAN YOU HELP?
*We will plan specific work days throughout the warmer months. Please consider helping out for a whole day or smaller portions. If you or a family member can handle physical labor, have access to tools, is in the construction/contracting trade, or just want to find a fun way to help the school with this important need - please contact me with your name/email/phone #. Please note if there's a particular aspect of the job you'd like to help with.
*Long-term planning and fundraising/material acquisition - Consider joining the Playground Committee (See the "Committees" link under "Get Involved" for meeting times). We will need help applying for playground specific grants/donations and working with local vendors and partners to secure donations of funds or materials. Any creative ideas for how to create simple structures from the items provided are welcome.
Thanks to all for your help and support!
If you're able to help, or would like to join the Playground Committee, please contact Jennifer Taylor at euuayya@yahoo.com. Committee meetings are held the second Tuesday of the month at 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, before the Board of Trustees and Community Circle meetings (You need only attend one meeting).
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