Here's the narrative Jill Nickerson & I co-authored for playground equipment at Blossburg Elementary School:
Blossburg V.I.B.E. (Visions in Business and Entertainment) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization initiated in 2004 as a project of Blossurg Borough Council and Blossburg Improvement Association to envision plans and implement projects that will enhance the quality of life for those who live, work, play or attend school in Blossburg.
Blossburg V.I.B.E. is partnering with the Blossburg Elementary School Team (BEST) to provide substantial improvements to the elementary school's playground. The purpose of this application for Community Revitalization program funds is to begin that process with several smaller pieces of equipment. However, the long-term goal is to install a safe, durable play surface under all the playground equipment and to install a large play system with elements that are safe and enjoyable for the full range of children using it. Blossburg Elementary has 350 students ages 3 to 12, but the playground facility is used year-round by children and adults in the community since it is centrally located and unfenced.
With the recent addition of a Pre-K Counts classroom to Blossburg Elementary School, the school now has an even stronger need for developmentally appropriate play equipment. Providing opportunities for children to pretend, enhance gross motor and balance skills, and encourage social interaction is the foundation for our partnership. Studies have demonstrated that children of all ages learn through play.
This project, scheduled for installment during the summer of 2008, will include a balance beam, a gross motor skills-enhancing climber, and youth basketball hoops. All the play equipment promotes a healthy lifestyle for children in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Early Learning Standards.
The cost of the first phase of our project will be $15,700 for the purchase of equipment. The balance beam cost is $350. The climber is $13,000 and the variable-height basketball hoop is $2,350. We have raised $6,000 to help with phase one of this project. We hope to raise funds and receive community sponsors to cover the cost of surfacing the playground area. Phase two of our project will cost close to $80,000.
To make any project happen, you must start at the beginning. With your help, we can build our community through play!
