Long Live the T-burg Playground!
It’s nice to see all the energy and enthusiasm happening in T-burg among folks who want to build a new playground. It’s an admirable goal.
Many of us had that same energy just about 20 years ago. We did a tremendous amount of fund-raising, design workshops, etc. and in one long weekend, with guidance from the Bob Leathers team, we all pitched in and built the thing. We even had the high school kids helping with childcare and serving food to all the volunteers. The younger kids pitched in cleaning tires, moving sand and gravel around. In the 23 years that I’ve lived here, it was one of the most awe inspiring chapters in T-burg history. The sense of community as well as the sense of accomplishment we all felt, was magical.
I’ve had several occasions to go with my toddler grandson and nephews to play there. It still blows me away what a superb playground it is, both to play in and to look at. I only saw one thing in need of replacement, a rubber structure attached to chains I think.
What I’m wondering is: For those of you who are actively involved in the playground fund-raising……. what is the plan? to complement the present playground or to just tear it down?
It would be incredibly sad to think about tearing it down. For these reasons:
•It works……..It still seems in very good shape.
•It’s was designed with direct input from all the kids and parents, and it plays well.
•Any remnants of the pressure treating chemicals have been long since leached out.
•It represents history, community, a gathering of the playful spirits of T-burg.
•Tearing down something that’s only 20 years old seems to feed into our throw-away society, which we all profess to be against. (Ask me why I live in a house that’s about 180 years old and drive a truck that’s 45 years old.) They are too good to throw away.
•It’s an important link to a prior but still active group of citizens, who I think would be heartbroken to lose this piece of T-burg’s history.
So, why not build a complementary structure, incorporating elements you think are missing? Why tear down a perfectly good piece of work?
I’d like to hear from other folks. What do people think?
I agree with you, Jackie. Although I don’t want to condemn the people who are trying to build a new playground, the current playground sets a very high bar by which their project will be judged.
Trumansburg’s playground currently has a great reputation as a fun and unique place to play. Kids love it. It reflects well on the unique character of our community.
A generic replacement won’t be regarded well.
I agree with you both. My children (now 22 and 24) enjoyed many wonderful hours on “the structure”. (Did anyone else’s kids call it that?) Now, I’m hoping to bring my granddaughter to play on the same structure in another year or so. You ask great questions, Jackie. Does naybody have answers for us?
I also agree with those who would like to keep the superb playground as it is. Why is there talk of replacement?
Unless it is to be added to the present playground it seems unnecessarily foolish and even then superfluous. My own grandchildren regard this playground as the best they know of in many travels. Their parents look forward to taking the kids there when they visit. I see no reason to replace it. there are many more important things to spend on in the schools.
Oh yes
Jonathan are you moving from the area?
Here is the response from Ann DiPetta to Jackie’s original e-mail She is one of the parents on the playground committee.
“Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the playground. Many in our community are sad to see the old playground come down, but there are sound reasons for it. Here’s what I can tell you (and there may be other reasons that I’m not aware of):
1. According to Leathers, their playgrounds expire after 20 years and need to be replaced. Ours has been in place 22 or 23 years
2. The existing playground is deteriorating. Regular sliver situations and other issues.
3. There are supervision issues. It is hard for one or two teachers to adequately supervise 50 or more children on the existing structure. The new playground will be more transparent for better supervision of students.
4. The existing playground does not include space for middle school students or head start students. The new structure will involve spaces that are targeted to each age group.
5. The existing playground does not meet state safety regulations. The new playground will be safer for students.
6. The existing structure does not meet state regulations for ADA compliance. Those with disabilities cannot access the existing playground.
They will be able to access the new structure and it will have features that can be utilized by persons of varied abilities.
Other info:
–The new structure will involve an outdoor classroom that can be used by all.
–The architect will plant trees to offset the carbon footprint of the new structure.
Please feel free to share my response with the recipients of your first message. I’m happy to hear people’s thoughts and ideas.
Thanks! Ann DiPetta
PTO mom, playground committee member”
In addition, it is my understanding that it may take a few years before the new one is started, and there is alot of fundraising to do. It seems like they are being pro-active rather than waiting until someone really gets hurt on it.
I’m sure they could use a lot of help planning and fundraising (and building?) the new one.
Hi all,
Thank you, Carissa, for posting my original response to Jackie’s questions. There are varying perspectives on the playground, but the fact is that it will need to be replaced within the next few years. It no longer meets state requirements for safety and accessibilty. Children with physical disabilities cannot use the playground; plus it is falling apart and children are getting hurt on it. We are very lucky to have a committed group of volunteers right now who share your concerns about sustainability, etc. working with school staff on this effort. This is a conscientious group that includes members of Sustainable T’burg. We are working hard to take different perspectives into consideration and at the same time create a playground that is safe and accessible to all children. This is a great opportunity to bring the community together – and Yes, we need help with fundraising and building! I hope this message answers the questions raised in this dialogue; if anyone has other questions or wants to help out, please feel free to contact me. Thanks!
Glad to see this has got people interested, on both sides of the issue.
What really seems needed is some cold, hard, factfinding, and it is entirely possible to do it. We need to know:
Has anyone actually gotten hurt?
What is the condition of the wood? both where it’s in the ground and in contact with kids’ hands?
Are there any remaining chemical leftovers from the pressure treating?
If there is already an architect, who is it, and what is the plan?
Why oh why can’t this be an addition rather than a tear-down?
I got some excellent e-mails from Ruth Kahn, Alan Vogel, John Ullberg, and Alan Carstensen, and I would like to be able to share those comments, I guess I will have to ask them to post them.
Jonathan, I am not condemning the wonderful, energetic, dedicated parents who want to make a lasting contribution to the community. But it should AUGMENT, not DISPLACE the current structure.