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 A
community build project is a resourceful way to create a play space by people giving their time and energy to enrich the lives of
children. As your playground consultant, we'll help to make the
growth of your play space an enriching experience.
Every project is different, but the following provides a basic
outline on how we work and what you can expect:
Assessment
of Needs
We look at the strengths and weaknesses of a play space to
avoid having to start all over again. Often, obsolete equipment can be converted
into usable features such as altering a commercial platform system into a fort
or merely repairing a broken swing. Other
important aspects include the size of the outdoor space, the ages and number of
children, adult supervision, and the particular vision of the
organization.
Developing
a Project Plan
 A
project plan begins with the brainstorming of ideas and gradually evolves into a
realistic approach complete with drawings. We help to guide a group
of interested participants (including children) towards making a play space an
integral part of the community.
The
project plan can go through several evolutions before a consensus is obtained. Besides making the space a fun place to be in, other important
considerations include cost, safety, and maintenance.
Gathering Volunteers
and Resources
A
materials list is submitted which assigns the responsibility of obtaining both
new and used items. Grassroots Community Playgrounds plays a critical role in this step
by approving what is used (i.e. arsenic-free wood) as well as obtaining
materials that cannot easily be found or purchased. If materials and equipment
cannot be obtained or fabricated locally, we'll help purchase these items from
manufacturers who have a reputation for quality and innovation. (see Choosing
Equipment)
Building the Play Space
Once
all materials are gathered and volunteers are organized and a construction date
is set. Construction takes place in phases depending on the availability of volunteers
and the performance of particular tasks that need
to occur in a sequential manner. Construction can take from two to four
weekends to complete.
Follow-up and
Maintenance
The
success of a play space is not only measured by how children respond to it, but
also by its continuation for many years to come. You'll always know how to find
us if problems should occur and we'll be there to make adjustments or assist in future
alterations as your play space evolves.
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