Lakewood's Children need our help

Joe Whisman · Post by **Joe Whisman** » Thu May 17, 2007 11:54 am

I have been watching Kid's Cove at Lakewood Park deteriorate for the last three years. Anyone who visits can see that is is not a safe or beautiful place for our children to play. I am working on getting non-profit status to raise funds to replace and rebuild broken and unsafe structures. Part of my plan is to Start up an interest bearing account to keep the playground maintained.
Our children need a safe place to exercise. If you want to help, place let me know. It is up to us to keep the playground a fun place. It makes Lakewood look bad when you can not maintain a simple place ground. We may need $20,000 to reseal the equipment and replace broken parts. Anyone want to help?

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Thu May 17, 2007 12:41 pm

Joe

Count on the Lakewood Observer for anything we can help with.

.

Anne Steiner · Post by **Anne Steiner** » Thu May 17, 2007 1:19 pm

Count me and my family in.

Whatever you need drop me a line.....

Anne Steiner

Danielle Masters · Post by **Danielle Masters** » Thu May 17, 2007 1:27 pm

You can also count on support from my family. We love the park and have been very saddened by it's decline over the years. Thanks for doing this.

Rick Uldricks · Post by **Rick Uldricks** » Thu May 17, 2007 1:27 pm

I think this is a worthwhile investment and yes, our kids deserve a nice playground.

HOWEVER, I have to ask -- how did this once beautiful playground get to this point? Why was it built without a plan to maintain it? If private funds are used to fix it up, what will we do when it needs fixing/cleaning, etc. again?

Danielle Masters · Post by **Danielle Masters** » Thu May 17, 2007 1:33 pm

I agree completely with you Rick, but at this point kids are suffering and since nothing is being done to address the issue then it's time we all step up and do it ourselves.

Shawn Juris · Post by **Shawn Juris** » Thu May 17, 2007 1:36 pm

Joe,
I certainly respect what you are looking to do but just a gentle recommendation. I know that the Kiwannis are focused on kids needs specifically and the Jaycees have set up fundraisers for Youth Programs. These are just two existing groups that I'm sure would be more than happy to have your involvement. There are plenty more groups out there that are just as concerned and interested in being part of something positive. Before we start another have the existing possibilities been exhausted?

I'm all for elective tax method (charity fundraising) to repair and tend to the items that we as citizens consider a priority. $20,000, huh? That's only 1,334 people eating wings for a day... not to plug an event but it seems to fit.

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Thu May 17, 2007 1:51 pm

Joe

Shawn is right, I will be more than willing to take this to Kiwanis. I know they are spread thin, but it might be a good place to start. Maybe we can get Shawn to let us get a non-commercial wing set up going and use that money.

I am willing to donate from the Car Show and Car Rally.

If we can get art in there I am sure we can get "Lakewood Is Art" to help out.

We can put a story in the paper, and see what shakes out.

You can probably get another 501C3, to process the "donations" if people need the write off.

Rick

My understanding is that it was built with private money raised through various groups and built by volunteers.

This might be a great way to pay tribute to those that started it.

.

Joe Whisman · Post by **Joe Whisman** » Thu May 17, 2007 2:39 pm

Wow,
I am taking all of these suggestions. I know $20,000 may seems excessive, however it will cost $1950.00 to get an estimate from the company. The idea is to raise enough for future repairs. When I get the non-profit set up the meetings will begin. I had nothing to do with the building of the park. My eyes are fixed on the future.

Suzanne Metelko · Post by **Suzanne Metelko** » Sat May 19, 2007 12:43 pm

Joe, has anyone discussed this with the original Kid's Cove Committee? Perhaps they can provide historical information ie developer, contractor, funders etc. and a way to avoid the estimate fee. I've also heard comments from parents about the layout. Maybe this is the opportunity to incorporate some safety design modifications. Suzanne

Michelle Kruse · Post by **Michelle Kruse** » Mon May 21, 2007 4:42 pm

I have some connections with the group that put in a beautiful playground in Stow. When you get started, I would be happy to share the experiences of that group and work on a super playground for our kids (and grandkids).

Lynn Farris · Post by **Lynn Farris** » Mon May 21, 2007 5:16 pm

Isn't there a company that will provide an estimate free of charge?

I have worked with a wide variety of companies over the years and this is the first one that I have heard of that charges a significant sum.

Joe Whisman · Post by **Joe Whisman** » Tue May 22, 2007 6:05 pm

I have taken steps and met with the good folks at city hall. We are going to need to form a committee to revitalize the playground. If you are serious about helping let me know. I would like to hold a meeting soon. How about that coffee shop on Madison?
I am working on getting us a free estimate as well. Thanks for all your ideas.

Anne Steiner · Post by **Anne Steiner** » Wed May 23, 2007 7:58 pm

Joe--

That sounds great. Pick a time and I'll be there. I'll spread the word to some of the Mom's and dad's I know from the Family Room and school.

Jeni Matousek · Post by **Jeni Matousek** » Wed May 30, 2007 10:07 am

Hi Joe,
I am very interested in helping with your plan for the park. Please count me in. Jeni

Lakewood's Children need our help

Lakewood's Children need our help

Re: Lakewood's Children need our help

Kids' Cove - Lakewood Park

Lakewood Park