Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is installing the equipment?
Playground Equipment Services, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been hired as our designer and contractor for this project. We will need volunteers to help with tear-down and hauling away of the old structure once a construction date is set.
How was this design chosen?
The FEPF board Members traveled to Cincinnati and viewed a park which featured lots of the equipment we desired for our students and community. The board collaborated with Eric Schmidt, CEO of PES, and Dr. Tina Stanton-Chapman, professor at the University of Cincinnati, to ensure that our design was functional, intentional, and provides a place for our students to grow and develop successfully.
It's expensive. Why?
Replacing the current, wooden design would cost around $400-500,000 for just the equipment and does not meet the needs of our student and community population; therefore, it is not being replaced with an exact model. Instead, the new design features components which specifically work to combat childhood obesity, isolation of students with different abilities, and promotes interactive play. Additionally, the new structure will feature padded turf surfacing under all of the new equipment pieces. This surfacing is crucial to keeping children safe while they play. The entire surface is protective against falls from a height of 8'; additional protection is in place under areas where a fall risk is higher (for example, under slides and swings). The surfacing is self-draining and is able to be played on soon after wet weather, meaning that the students will have more opportunities to play on the equipment. Finally, the new design promises another 20+ years of play, making it a sound and worthy investment.
My kids don't go to the East. Can they still play?
Yes! Community inclusion is a benefit of replacing the equipment. The Mega Tower in the center is able to accommodate both children and adults. The fitness equipment promotes physical activity for all. There will be specific times during which the community is able to utilize the equipment; as long as the playground is being used appropriately this arrangement shall continue. We are confident that our community will love it so much that it will be cared for and kept in good condition for all to play.
Is this design all the equipment we will have?
The new play space will be able to comfortably accommodate 225+ children playing on it at one time. However, there are some features that are not pictured in any of the designs, due to software limitations. The soft seating area and hill are not visible, in addition to painted areas on the sidewalk leading from behind the building. The design is specifically arranged to allow for adding on of new pieces in the future. Also, work is being done to add a water fountain, lighting, and security cameras to promote the safety and well-being of both the students and the structures. We are also in need of volunteers to build an outdoor classroom area, which was requested by the teachers but not included in the playground design.
I want to help! What do you need?
We are eager to work with you! In addition to financial donations, we need volunteers to help with lots of things:
- helping run fundraising activities
- landscaping around the new play area
- outdoor classroom construction
- demolition and haul-away of the old structure
- security and lighting
- promoting the project in the community
Thank you for partnering with us! If you have a specific way you'd like to offer your time, talent, or treasure, please email us.
- helping run fundraising activities
- landscaping around the new play area
- outdoor classroom construction
- demolition and haul-away of the old structure
- security and lighting
- promoting the project in the community
Thank you for partnering with us! If you have a specific way you'd like to offer your time, talent, or treasure, please email us.