[StBernard] St. Bernard Community Playground Update

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard Community Playground
RE-Boot, RE-Pair and RE-Build
April 8-13, 2008
 
That's right, re-BOOT!  It's time once again to pull up the boots, put on
construction hats and get to work on the St. Bernard Community Playground
Project.  While Katrina caused only 3 days worth of damage, the recent
juvenile arsonist fire will bring community volunteers together for a week
to repair and rebuild exactly five years to the day from the original build.
 
Unburned sections of the playground will receive new bolts, new chains and a
general face lift.  The front entrance, the largest play section which fell
victim to the fire, will require an entire re-build.  Burned and hurricane
damaged pickets must be identified and replaced.  A new play surface must be
entirely restored to allow access for all children of all abilities.  And
hopes are to add at least two  "birthday pavilions" adjacent to the
playarea.
 
Important conversations with the original architectural firm have begun and
a fast paced timeline has been set into motion.   This includes an exciting
Design Day with elementary children creatively participating in the
re-design on Wednesday, January 30.  Students representing each elementary
school will gather at Andrew Jackson Elementary at 9:30 a.m. on this day to
dream and draw a new playground into existence.  
 
The entire community is then invited to an official unveiling of the
playground design Wednesday evening, January 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the
Chalmette High School Cafeteria.  The party-like atmosphere will provide
informational opportunities for volunteer sign-up, donations for build week
and new picket sales.  Refreshments will be served by Chalmette High School
Builder's/Key Club members.
 
Residents, community organizations and volunteer groups have begun to offer
financial support and pledges of their time in the re-build.  The Meraux
Foundation, an anonymous donor and a post-Katrina St. Bernard Chamber of
Commerce grant have jumpstarted fundraising efforts. Expectations for an
incredible community effort to restore the playground in time for summer can
already be felt among the children.
 
Mark your calendars and plan to be a part of this great
"re-booting"project...one giant step in the overall recovery of St. Bernard
Parish for children.
 
Please forward this e-mail to those you know who will want to be a part of
the process.
If you do not receive this e-mail directly from me and you wish to be on the
playground broadcast list please e-mail me.  
And, if you have any questions, please e-mail me at pboudreaux5 at yahoo.com.
 
Polly Boudreaux
504-554-7134