BELLOWS FALLS — Volunteers are needed to help with the renovation of the existing playground across from the Central Elementary School and Parks Place Community Resource Center.
This project is the culmination of nearly two years of work on a Promise Communities Grant. The Bellows Falls Promise Community received a $200,000 grant from the Vermont Department for Children and Families to be used to renovate the playground.
The scope of the project will include new playground equipment, shaded seating, a walking path, and resurfacing.
The idea behind the playground renovation is to take the concept of a community center and create a center without walls where connections can be made.
The Promise Community will support families who are connecting to the available programs and services that best meet their needs. This investment in a well-used community resource will help families by providing a place for play; a place to make connections and be a part of the community; and a level field prioritizing equity over equality so that everyone has access.
Volunteers can assist in a variety of ways. On Oct. 2 and 3, help will be needed with unpacking equipment and excavation work. The preparation of the playground equipment will happen on Oct. 6, along with pouring concrete. The equipment will be installed on Oct. 7 and 8, and installation of the rubber path happens Oct. 9. Help with preparing food and with childcare also will be needed on these days.
If you are able to help out on any of these days, contact Deb Witkus at 802-463-9927, ext. 213, or deb@greaterfallsconnections.org, Christine Bullard at 802-463-9927, ext. 104, or christine@parksplacevt.org, Sam Maskell at 802-463-4270 or youthservices@rockinghamlibrary.org, or Molly Oglesby at molly.oglesby@wnesu.edu.
Information on volunteering can also be found on the “Bellows Falls Promise Community” page on Facebook.
In 2015, Bellows Falls was selected to be one of seven first Promise Communities in Vermont. The Promise Community Initiative was created to provide support to help communities work across sectors - including health, education, human services, and community planning - to do “whatever it takes” to improve the educational and developmental outcomes for children in their communities.