August 31, 2005
Teamwork in Blair for new playground
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Taking on outdated play equipment, citizens of Blair Township have launched a drive to raise $145,000.
These funds are part of a three-phase plan to create a new Blair Community Playground at the township's park, which is situated behind the Blair Township Hall.
The new playground will feature a play area for 2-5 year olds, another for 5-12 year olds and a handicap accessible swing. In addition, the two main play structures will be poured-in-place rubber surfacing for handicap accessibility; this surface is also cleaner for not-quite-walking young children. The playground will also include a fun and fit area as well as a tire swing and toddler swings.
"What's here has been here for at least 15 years, the wooden structures need updating," said Brenda DeKuiper, the founder of the grass-roots committee planning the park and fundraising effort.
In addition to adding new equipment, the committee - which includes everyone from parents of young children to grandparents - wants a place for young children to play.
"We have a lot of nice things here, but there's really nothing for the little kids," said DeKuiper. "It's a great park because they have a path to walk and bike around and roller blade on plus a tennis court and basketball courts."
The Blair Township Park offers a range of activities, including horseshoe pits, baseball diamonds, a tennis court and a volleyball net. It also has a covered pavilion with picnic tables and restrooms as well as a three-quarter mile paved walking track.
DeKuiper, who lives with her husband, Dennis, and two young children across from the park, conceived of the idea of new playground equipment last fall. She waited until after the election in November before approaching township officials with the idea of a citizen's campaign to upgrade the facility. She worked with both the planning commission and park committee before the township gave the green light, seeding the fundraising account with $200 to get it going.
Monday night, the township park committee approved the plans for the playground as presented by DeKuiper and the committee, who sought bids and designs from three companies.
"I've been involved in the park ever since it's been established and with funding down from federal and state government, there just hasn't been a lot of money to put in the park," said Bill Tharp, park committee chairman for Blair Township. "Whatever we can do with the park will be greatly appreciated."
"We just look forward to completing it, it's coming one step at a time," he added.
With the township go-ahead, DeKuiper plans to approach businesses, organizations and residents for help raising the money and in-kind donations. The fundraising campaign officially kicks off Monday, September 12, with a bake sale that will be held during a community blood drive.
Through it all, DeKuiper envisions this as a township-wide effort, which is why the new facility is named the Blair Community Playground.
"We're going to be looking to the whole community," said DeKuiper. "St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the men's group there has already committed to $1,000 a year for the next three years. I will be hitting area businesses once I get my kids in school, asking for donations."
The plan is to raise money in three chunks and build in phases as the project advances. The playground will be built by volunteers it the community, DeKuiper noted, in the fashion of an old-fashioned barn raising. The goal is to complete the playground within three years.
"Everybody's excited about the idea of something for families here," she said. "The interest will grow as this becomes a community center."
For more information on the Blair Community Playground or how to help, call 276-9263, ext. 100.