Project Playground: A Community's Mission to Rebuild

In two years, the playground at Jones Elementary School in Severna Park will be torn down. The park, which has been in place for over a decade, will be declared unsafe by the county due to structural and safety concerns.

Rebuilding the playground will come out of the PTA’s pocket – and it doesn’t come without a hefty price tag. The Jones Elementary School PTA is working to fundraise $60,000 by 2016 for the rebuilding project.

“The playground is an important part of the children’s school experience,” Laure Fisher, Chair of the Playground Replacement Committee, said. “Many studies have shown that playgrounds encourage educational, physical and social development – as well as a lot of fun!”

Odenton Elementary School in Odenton lost their playground in July 2014 to similar safety concerns. Unfortunately, funds had not yet been raised to replace the playground and students are without for the current school year. To prevent this from happening to Severna Park, the Jones PTA is working proactively to raise the needed funds in advance.

Besides a favorite among the school children, the playground also serves as an asset to the entire region.

“The playground is the only public play space within the neighborhoods around the school, so it is a valuable spot used by the whole community,” Fisher added.

A quick drive by Jones Elementary will attest to the fact that the playground is a beloved part of the community. Between recess, playdates and weekend soccer games, there are always kids on the playground.

The Jones PTA is asking the community to get involved. How can you help?

• Make a donation: Adopt a part of the playground. Parents, alumni, teachers, local businesses and community associations are encouraged to pick a part of the playground to donate to, no matter how big or small the monetary amount.
• Join an event: Sponsor or participate in the Color-A-Thon Run on May 9, 2015. The Color-A-Thon Run is a “fun run” where participants can choose to walk, run or even dance throughout the course while getting blasted with safe, eco-friendly colored dye.

For more information and to get involved visit: jonesplayground.com.

The above picture is a rendering of the new replacement playground.