Playground Project
We are working with a wonderful recreation company, Sinclair Recreation, that has installed many playgrounds in Hastings. The Playground Project is planned to work in two phases, or in one phase (if we can raise enough!). Both the Upper and Lower elementary structures are in dire need of replacement. Keep scrolling for more information about the outdoor space Central enjoys in the heart of Hastings.
About the Project
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The playground project is a much needed overhaul of the upper and lower playground equipment at Central.
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Central is home to just under 300 students and is located in the heart of Hastings, thus serving as a community hub for city residents and the middle school next door.
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The main play structures were installed nearly 30 years ago in 1997 and have reached the end of feasible maintenance. Many parts have been removed to keep students safe, but that leaves the structures almost unusable. HASS maintenance workers have done an amazing job getting it to last as long as it has!
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Central does not have much green-space to work with, given the urban environment, making play structures much more vital to meeting the needs of the students for positive growth in many areas.
Why do we need to update? Aren't the current structures FINE?
Existing Structures
Sharing space with the Middle School next door and being centrally located for city residents has led to increased wear and tear on the structures at Central.
Missing handles, no zip line, removed slide, an open sided rock wall, missing surfaces, a lack of green space due to old drainage and sewer issues... there's a lot to process when looking at the state of the current playgrounds.
Clearly, this area is used and well-loved by MANY!
Click through the gallery to view the current state of the equipment.
Project Details
The new structures were selected with input from the teachers and staff. They feature more surface areas to accommodate the number of students, thoughtful designs to prevent "hidden" blind spots from adult supervision, and appropriate play structures to encourage developmental growth.
Click to view images of the proposed structures.
Upper Playground Proposed
Project Costs
Phase 1: Upper Playground,
structure and freight: approx $77,000
Phase 2: Lower Playground,
structure and freight: approx $35,000
OR...
Option to do both structures at same time,
structure, freight: approx $101,000
To save costs, a community based installation is planned. Costs do not include cement for footings or removal of existing structures (not all existing structures will be removed). Central already has a woodchip ground cover.
Donor Recognition
We are thrilled to highlight our major donors here.
Barry Community Foundation has provided a generous grant to kick off fundraising efforts and we are so grateful for their support as we reenergize fundraising efforts. Thank you, BCF!
We are also a recipient of the amazing group Guys That Give of Barry County. They patiently listened to our presentation and project and chose to support the students of Central Elementary!