When the architects at Schadler Associates in Farmington got
the contract to design a new playground for the Sheldon/Charter
Oak neighborhood, they sought advice from the real experts -
the kids who will actually be using the structure. Over 50 children
submitted drawings of their ideal playgrounds and ideas from
those drawings will be used in the structure's final design.
Local businesses and churches, community leaders, and parents
contributed to the design of the playscape.
The new structure is scheduled to be built on Saturday, November
7.
The community-wide effort to design and build the playground
was organized by the Coalition to Strengthen the Sheldon and
Charter Oak Neighborhood (CSSCON) and the Sheldon Oak Central
Co-opportunity Incorporation. A CSSCON spokesperson said the
new playground will provide a safe and accessible area for parents
to spend time with their children.
The playground will be located on a site between two newly renovated
housing developments, Twin Acres on Stonington Street and the
Martin Luther King Project on Van Block Avenue.
KaBoom, a national non-profit organization, and Home Depot will
partly fund the playground. Local businesses have also agreed
to help sponsor the event as well and CSSCON's Playground Build
Committee has raised $15,000 in matching funds.
The actual construction of the playground on November 7 is scheduled
to begin at 7 am and organizers hope to finish by 5 pm. At noon
there will be a presentation to thank all those in the community
who have helped with the project.
Volunteers are still needed to serve food, donate materials,
organize children's activities and help build the playground.
This is a community fundraiser and everyone is welcome to bring
his or her families. Call Maura McCall at Sheldon Oak Central
to volunteer, 246-0666.
