Playground Project

Yes, we will be installing a new playground this year! There were three companies that were allowed to bid on the project. The HSA voted on using NuToys as the final contractor. NuToys is local. They provided a very detailed and comparable bid and have done several playgrounds in the area including St. Michaels. They came with very reputable referrals including the City of Crown Point. NuToys also provided the best quality and construction materials for the cost.

> Spaghetti Dinner Information & Order Form (Feb. 24)

Cost

To our amazement, we learned that playgrounds are not cheap. In fact the bids ranged from $130,000 to $165,000. This may seem extravagant, but the hope is to build a state-of-the-art playground that will be around for many years to come. Some of the equipment on the current playground is from the 1970’s, so you can see the longevity of the equipment. The playground that was voted on from NuToys will cost roughly $135,000.

Scope of the Project

The new playground will be relocated to the back of the old church (where the basketball hoops are currently located). This will provide a safer and more secluded location off Route 41 in which the children can play every day. The new playground will also have equipment for children ages 5-14. All of the school children will be able to play on the equipment with something for everyone. There will also be two new basketball hoops installed.

Fundraising Efforts

The HSA currently has $60,000 for the project which means we need to raise an addition $75,000. Sounds like a daunting task, but we have identified some key fundraisers that will help to raise these funds. The three main fundraisers that we hoping will raise the funds are a Spaghetti Dinner (Feb. 24), Spring Fling (April 21), and a Phone-a-thon to be conducted on January 29th.

Project Timeline

The HSA is hoping to have all funds raised by May 1st of 2012. The new playground will then be ordered, only after all funds are in hand. It will take 3-4 weeks for the equipment to come in and another 3-4 weeks to be installed. The project will be completed by the end of June 2012. The current location of the playground will be cleared (some pieces donated and some pieces given to the preschool) and then seeded for a nice grassy area.

For More Information

Please contact Michelle Mahoney at 219-776-4074 or Rose Kennedy at 219-712-5641 with any questions.