Playground Construction Update

The Playground Project is coming along! We now have it moved and re-constructed in it’s new location. There is still a long way to go, but we are hopeful that it can be ready in time for the first day of class. We still need some volunteer help to make that happen or it might be delayed. If you can help with sanding, painting or installation of edging for the mulch, please let us know.

The playground has been needing to be moved for some time, especially after the portable buildings were installed and kids started trekking back and forth across that area. It has also caused a problem with noise for classes on that end of the building.

The plan was to simply take the structure partially apart into two sections, move it, and put it back together. But the play-set had other ideas. It has been sitting directly on the ground for over 5 years, and it has endured a lot of weather during that time. The legs were more badly damaged than we had realized.

The legs on this section were so badly deteriorated that they broke off when we tried to move it. A cross beam was also broken in the process. You can see the last  broken red leg in this photo.

The second unit was almost as bad, and it was determined that the bottom 6 inches of those legs also needed to be replaced. Our engineer-minded guys put their heads together and came up with some creative and very sturdy solutions. You’ll have to check it out the next time you are on campus.

You can also see from this photo that the paint is badly worn. That is part of the reason why the wood is deteriorating so quickly.
We will be making a point to have an annual “Playground Painting Party” each year from here on out!

One of our parents, Chuck Venezia (Zoe’s step-dad) took on the role of coordinating the playground moving project. This was a huge undertaking, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude.

In addition, Elise Eaton’s sons, Chris Walker, Michael Eaton and Jason Eaton put in many hours of work on the project. Several other EE families also helped with construction or moving of the unit including Fabian Han, Chad Hall, David Young (Dr. Young’s husband), Andrew Hiett and his Eagle Scout project crew, and others that I probably missed.

Thank you to everyone who helped so far, and to those who will be helping in the next few weeks to finish up this important project!