Why is the Sky Blue?
Because we understand that the beauty behind questions is a never-ending thirst for curiosity, we’ve started to assemble a few we often find ourselves fielding.
Why Laurel Hills Park?
In 1991 the “All Children’s Playground” was constructed by community volunteers at Laurel Hills Park. Due to change in codes and safety, the park needs to be taken down which makes the construction site accessible for a new and exciting playground where every detail takes into consideration children of all abilities. In addition the re-construction offers a unique opportunity to communicate back to the public that the initial goal of providing a safe place for children of all abilities by celebrating a “re-construction” of the playground 20 years later.
Who will maintain the playground once is it finished?
The City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department will maintain the park.
What kind of equipment will be available for children?
Based on discussions with physical therapists, parents and teachers of special needs children, the design of the playground will have the top priority and goal of being completely accessible by children with variety of physical limitations.
How is this an improvement over what is currently available?
Currently there is not a playground facility in Wake County that combines all of the activities accessible to special needs children.
Is the current playground safe?
The current playground is safe. It is inspected weekly by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector and any safety problems are corrected. The wooden structures are deteriorated from constant use and weathering over a 20 year period. The current sand surface in the playground is an approved safety surfacing for a public playground but does not provide for full accessibility to the play equipment by those with disabilities.
How much will it cost to build?
The playground would cost about $2 Million dollars to build. The City of Raleigh is contributing $450K in in-kind services associated with the demolition of the exsisting playground, site preparation, and some construction and “community build” efforts related to portions of the overall playground project. Our current fundraising goal is to raise 1.5 Million dollars by November of 2011 – which would mark the 20th anniversary of the first All Children’s Playground build.
What happens if you don’t raise enough money by November 2011? When will you tear down the current playground?
If funds are in place at that time, we will move forward with construction through the winter with a goal of re-opening June 2012. If our fundraising goal is not met by November 2011, the current playground will remain in place until adequate funds are secured and the timeline will be adjusted accordingly.
