The Virginian-Pilot
©
CHESAPEAKE
A resident s brainstorming session held Thursday morning at Chesapeake's Fun Forest determined its burned section should be rebuilt and the educational playground as a whole ought to be improved and enhanced.
The first of two public information meetings was held Thursday at Fun Forest in Greenbrier, one at 10 a.m., the other at 6 p.m. About 40 people attended the chilly morning session. Organizers predicted more would attend the evening meeting.
The forum was facilitated by Chesapeake Parks and Recreation Department Director David E. Carter, who listened to suggestions and memories from young parents with children in tow, grandparents, volunteers from the business sector, community service club members and clergy.
Part of the play area was burned early April 1 in a fire that was determined to be arson.
The meeting's consensus included rebuilding the park with wood or natural composites made out of recycled substances and avoiding brightly colored synthetic materials found at fast-food restaurant play areas.
Residents also want to improve the facility by installing enhanced security, building more slides, considering some type of water feature and installing other playground attractions.
Carter conceded that, with no money in the city's budget, the effort will have to be paid for through grants, donations and fundraisers, the same way the original facility was funded in 1994.
"We need volunteers and everybody's help," he said. "So far, the business community has been incredible. And this community's fired up about it."
Several local businesses have held fundraisers, and more are planned. An architect firm has volunteered to redesign and help rebuild the site.
The rebuilding could be greatly assisted if the Fun Forest wins the Sears More Green Across America online contest. The park is competing with nine other finalists for a $30,000 prize. The project with the most votes by May 5 wins.
The meeting elicited heartfelt reminiscences, with participants hailing the fenced-in playground's feeling of security, serenity, beauty, education and fun.
"It's family time, full of wonderful memories," said Nicole Redmon, a Greenbrier mom who, 36 hours after the April 1 fire, had a website up soliciting help to rebuild the park.
Jess Holmes, pastor of Broadcast Church in Virginia Beach, said the park's reputation exceeds Chesapeake's boundaries.
"All I've ever heard is that this IS the coolest park around," he said. "And this needs to continue to be the coolest park around. The pride has to stay here."
Eric Feber, (757) 222-5203, eric.feber@pilotonline.com
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Wood Playgrounds are a liability.............
...........waiting to happen for the City of Chesapeake. This structure is identical in contruction to Kids Cove at Mt. Trashmore. Although built by volunteers many years ago, it was a unique project that in it's day was really neat. In todays world with all of the lidigation over injuries, the city is opening itself to lawsuits from things as simple as splinters. Va. Beach is in the process of replacing the entire Kids Cove structure to a playground that is up to date and adheres to all of the current guidelines for safety. As a CPSI, Certified Playground Safety Inspector, I can tell you that these old wood structures do not meet the guidelines for safety. I could go out to this playground and write a list of descrepancies as long as my arm. I do not know if the city of Chesapeake has any CPSI's but if they don't they need to get some of their employees certified to ensure that their playgrounds are up to and kept within the safety gidelines set by the NPSI, National Playground Safety Institute.
So You’re a Certified Playground Inspector…
…great!
That playground had been existence for how many years?
The volunteers didn’t just appear out of thin air and erect the playground. Permits and inspections were still mandated back then.
So, vice being a stick in the mud, how about you ‘volunteer’ your knowledge, time, and certifications then help Chesapeake out?
After all, here it is nearly noon the day after the stopry broke and Fun Park is up to 21,063 votes as compared to the current second place which is at 6,159 and you’re being a wet blanket.
Tell you what, if you show up and help this community, I'll not only match your hours, but beat it by a factor of 10. Deal?
I'm Craig Paskewic. General Contractor/Handyman and I approve of this reply.
Well for one, the code of
Well for one, the code of ethics for being a CPSI doesn't allow you to go and inspect anyones playground. You must recieve their permission before being allowed to evaluate their equipment. Without said permission I could lose my certification which I must have for my position. Yes, permits were given and inspections were performed, regular contruction inspections like they would do to a house. Playground safety guidelines have exploded over the last 7 years and I would have never believed that they could be so in depth and complicated but they are and they are there to protect both the users and the owners alike. With schools and parks added together Va. Beach has over 300 playgrounds to inspect and maintain which we do on a regular basis. I for one do love the look of the wood playgrounds but their time to shine have been overshadowed by todays sue happy public.
Keep Reading the Code
I am also a CPSI, The code of ethics also prohibits never contradicting the findings of another CPSI. Did you call Chesapeake to determine if they had a CPSI? Did you ask to speak to the CPSI to discuss your concerns? Without answering yes to these questions, you have already violated the Code of Ethics. As you admit you have not audited the site, is it possible that it might pass? Opinions are fine, where are your facts.
Good Grief!
....and I grew up in a house with lead paint a rode a bike without a helmet! Splinters happen! Accidents happen! We've become a nation of ambulance chasers and a society that lives in fear of the lawyers. Quit trying to regulate everything to death and just let the kids play and the parents be responsible!
The Power of the Press and Internet
Now at 13:53 the count is
1. Fun Forest, VA 11870 VOTES,
2. Southern High School, MD 3616 VOTES
I went to post this on Facebook and found that several friends had already posted it this morning. Way to go Tidewater. I hope the VP does a follow up story about the way everyone got behind this.
Follow up?
If it's legal/ethical, they should make a link up on top of their webpage.
2:35 PM and we're up to 12,444 votes.
Second place is at 3718 votes.
Again - each of these final ten are worthy candidates...just looking out for the home-team, so to speak......err write.
Check it out on facebook!
Become a fan of Fun Forest on facebook and help spread the word that way as well! It's going viral already!
Another update
Sent the link to all my contacts (personal/business, etal)...if we push this - the City of Chesapeake will win.
So here we are...somewhere in the general vasectomy of April 22st at 1225, and the current collective is:
#1 Fun park - 10,607 votes
#2 Southern High School, MD 3164 VOTES
I'm sure each of the finalists are worthy causes, yet we need to push Fun Park in Chesapeake.
Please - keep pressing!
"Somewhere in the general vasectomy"
?