NORFOLK
They came by the hundreds from across Hampton Roads to deliver a message to the criminals who for too long have ruled the streets of Denby Park: This will again be a safe place for kids to play.
More than 400 volunteers spent less than six hours Thursday building a playground, the first in this troubled Wards Corner neighborhood.
The new play area, once a vacant lot next to an apartment complex, is now replete with slides, a tire swing, rock climbing areas and benches.
"Shots have been fired at the houses across the street," said Bud Blanchard, 85, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1949. "People were crouched down in the houses to avoid the shooting."
Blanchard said he pleaded with city officials to rid the neighborhood of drugs before building the playground. He said they told him that the playground, combined with increased policing, will help drive crime away.
"I hope they're right," he said.
The $100,000 effort was funded largely by the Chrysler Foundation and five area Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers from Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk and Norfolk.
The foundation chipped in $50,000 and the local auto dealers another $50,000. KaBoom, an organization whose goal is to build enough playgrounds so that every child in America can walk to one, was also a sponsor and provided most of the expertise.
"The real heroes here are the volunteers," said Bill Shepherd, chief executive of Greenbrier Chrysler Jeep.
Many work for local car dealers. Some are from the Navy. Dozens were Norfolk city employees.
Others were average people who felt moved to help.
Among them was Jennifer Morris of Smithfield, who was spattered with cement from head to toe. "I know this neighborhood," Morris said. "I used to live in Norfolk. I know it needs some help."
Jordan Green, a Virginia Beach teenager, heard about the effort at his church in Berkley. Joshua Brunfield, a sailor from the Nashville, got wind of the project from the chaplain on his ship.
"I wanted to do something to help the kids," he said.
Councilwoman Daun S. Hester also gathered trash, carried mulch and helped move playground equipment until she was covered with sweat.
When handed a microphone, Hester urged Denby Park residents to maintain control of the playground.
"I challenge you to take ownership of this playground," she said. "Make sure it's a safe place for your kids."
Denby Park is one of three neighborhoods in a crime-fighting effort called Project Focus. Police patrols have been increased. Code enforcement is better. Surveillance cameras are coming.
"It's all helped," Blanchard said.
Yet some neighbors, including many in the civic league, opposed the playground. Instead, they want the city to tear down some of the neighborhood's ramshackle apartments.
However, Denby Park residents who watched the construction on Thursday seemed appreciative. "This will give my son Brandon something to do," said Gerrell Davis, whose apartment overlooks the playground.
Angela Jacobs said her 23-month-old son, Lucas, will also have a place to play.
"I don't have a car," she said. "Until today, there was nothing for him here."
Harry Minium, (757) 446-2371, harry.minium@pilotonline.com
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Detractors . . .
It's probably not too late to contribute to this effort!
I applaud the people who worked on the park. To the parents who were interviewed (esp the one with the child almost 2 years old), pls, pls get out there and play *with* your children, meet your neighbors, make it a better place for all. Even though it was mentioned that the park can be seen from the window of most apartments, a 2-year-old is still too young to be in a public area alone. Watching from a window will not guarantee you can get out there before a predator takes him away. And the benefits of knowing your neighbors will far outweigh any dishes you could get washed while watching your child play from out of the window! Not saying anyone is doing that-just remembering how some of my girlfriends did it when their kids were young! Cheers, MGM
They came....
....by the hundreds...and I'm very gratefull. Denby Park was my paper route in the early 70's and it was a nice safe place. Young families just getting thier start, tons of kids to play with, and an easy feeling as I roamed the streets before dawn ...often ending up @ Giant Open Air for those awesome freshly made glazed donuts! Nowadays...I fear to venture Little Creek rd during the day..and my 17 year old daughter refuses to walk the 6 blocks to Southern from Wards Corner. Look at the fact that folks from the entire Tidewater care enought to help out...and the fact that the Norfolk City council has put this on them...shows me Wards Cornor/Southern folks will always have to fend for themselves. No $8000 gum picker uppers...no $5000 doggie bags...just run down apartments, drugs and violence...and a park they built themselves...oh...and an occasional council member to pick up some trash!!!...perhaps we would be best served if Council would check the trash in thier chambers!!!!...before we take it upon ourselves to do that for them!!!.SAVE WARDS CORNOR!!!!
Wow!
A nice story for a change, thanks. Also, it's so refreshing to see adults working together for the betterment of their neighbors, especially the children. Way to go, folks!
Nice try and galant effort.
A playground will not change the prevalant mentality that causes the problems in this area. It will make a nice hangout for the local hood rats though.
New hang out
It will not be long before this turns into another gang infested hangout and a great place to sell drugs. That neighborhood is not very nice and there are plenty of parks close by in much safer environmants like the park on Tidewater Dr. or the one at the end of Simones Ave. Good luck.
Could help if people stay involved
The playground may get people out from in front of the TV, get the talking, and start building a front against the small number of people causing all the problems. It will only work if people stay involved.
when will the armed guard leave
Great news, I noticed that the area was spruced up, all the grasses are cut, even the overgrowth on the interstate wall was cleaned off (or at least dying). Thanks to the new playground to get this area looking good. But..as I passed the area for the last 2 days I noticed that there was a armed Norfolk Sheriff on the site....how long with this last? Will this end after the dedication on Monday? What does this tell me? Hummmm. BTW when did a piece of land in the middle of a U shaped apartment compex become a vacant lot? Can I stop playing taxes on my front and back yard and call it "vacant land"? Everyone need to see this before the armed guard leave.
great job
to those involved