Image courtesy of the Jenkintown Playground Project Facebook page
The district, borough, and school board are working together to find solutions.
“Even castles made of sand fall into the sea, eventually.” – Jimi Hendrix
It may not be sand, but wood doesn’t last forever either.
It is a beloved structure that children and families have enjoyed for years. But the upkeep of an entire castle isn’t easy work. Thankfully, a plan is in place to make it work as a community comes together to maintain its charm.
The Jenkintown Community Playground isn’t your basic set of swings and slides. Families far and wide make the trip to this playground for its massive wooden castle. My own children, who are now graduated and heading into adulthood, used to waddle across its planks, with that adorable penguin-like walk of a toddler to play with friends, enjoy the countless hiding spots, and imagine they were the king and queen of the realm all from its welcoming structure.
But now, it is time to bring its magic back to life. The first step to this necessary “spell” began at the end of September.
“A small group of stakeholders representing the District, Borough, School Board, and community met to officially transition the responsibility for our playground castle maintenance to the district, and to begin the discussion of the future of the playground space,” said Dr. Megan O’Brien, the School District of Jenkintown’s School Board President in a press release sent out alongside Dr. Jill A. Takacs, the district’s superintendent.
Because of the age and state of the castle playground structure, the involved organizations have decided it must be taken down in the coming year or two.
“It may need to be dismantled sooner, if significant repairs are needed or new damage occurs,” said the release.
The current structure was built in 2002 by over 600 volunteers. It was made possible via fundraising throughout the community. The castle continues to rely heavily on volunteer efforts and local fundraising to keep it safe and sound.
Sadly, as the equipment reaches “the end of its life span,” a new replacement is necessary.
“The current plan is to ensure the playground is as safe as possible in the near term,” said O’Brien and Takacs. “The district will make limited investments to maintain the structure. Several repairs are planned to occur in the next few weeks, and this will be covered by donations to the Jenkintown Education Foundation (JEF).
JEF has a mission to “enhance the educational experience of every student in our schools,” and the imagination, role playing, and play. The United Nations considers play to be “the right of every child.” The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) even published a report to explain how play:
It is no wonder JEF wants to keep the castle and its long legacy going. It provides ample play space for all children.
“In planning for the future, it is important to recognize that the playground is the main open space for the children in Jenkintown, and it is shared by the school and community,” said O’Brien and Takacs. “It should be a place that allows children within the Jenkintown Borough to enjoy playing outside, exercise, learn, and build community connections. Any future plans for the playground space will reflect the holistic needs, values, and preferences of the community.”
To that end, the organizations continue to work together to seek solutions. When it comes to fundraising and volunteer work, it is a lot like Jell-O. There’s always room for more.
“There is a tremendous amount of work to do related to fundraising, gathering community input, and planning the playground for future use,” said O’Brien and Takacs. “We want to ensure it is well-coordinated.”
JEF focuses its efforts both on fundraising locally, but also assisting with grant writing. Other community groups, according to the release, have also stepped up to express an interest to get involved.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders,” said O’Brien and Takacs.
To date, there is no “finish line” yet in site.
“The final scope and timing of the project is yet to be determined and will depend on many factors including the final design options, cost, and success of fundraising efforts,” said O’Brien and Takacs. “Over the next several months, the community will have the opportunity to provide input and to participate in fundraising efforts.”
The teams are currently forming committees, plans of actions, and identifying expertise in area community members that may best lend to these efforts. For more information on how you can become involved, call the district at 215-885-3722 or email O’Brien at [email protected].
To contribute to the JEF and support the financial need of the playground, click here to donate. The organization accepts checks, PayPal, Venmo (@Jenkintown-Ed-Foundation), and even offers a QR code to make the process easier. Those specifically aiming for funds to go toward the castle can write their wish in the “memo” line by simply writing “playground.”
