Seeking ideas on keeping Seventh Ward Playground viable
Jordan Miller remembers coming to the Seventh Ward playground in Washington as a child, playing with his friends.
Now as a young father, he wants his own children to be able to enjoy it as well.
“I want my kids to be active,” said Miller, who lives almost across from the playground and plans to help with efforts to keep the playground clean and safe.
But he did not like to bring them to the playground because it was littered with broken glass and drug paraphernalia.
On Saturday, a group led by MJ Markley and Suzanne Kelley planned to clean up the playground. But a nonprofit collaboration of churches called The Dreamers Company brought volunteers from youth groups in last week to clean up grass and garbage and trim trees and bushes. Repairs were also made to benches.
With the clean up done, the event was turned into a town hall meeting where ideas about keeping the playground clean and trouble free so it can be enjoyed by the entire community were shared. City council recently decided to temporarily close the playground after getting complaints from residents in the area.
Markley said it is a collaborative effort to come together and make the playground safe. He said they discussed upgrading equipment and planning activities for the children.
“This is just the first step,” Markley said of the effort. “It is going to take the community, the whole village.”
Aaron Miller, an associate pastor at Life Church and part of The Dreamers, said work at the playground is not done. Lighthouse Electric from North Strabane township installed lights last week and plan to put up lights along the walkways.
Miller said the town hall meeting gave people a chance to share their concerns.
The Dreamers also made improvements and cleaned up the Eighth Ward playground during the past two years, adding mulch and new swings. The basketball hoops also will be changed out.
Kelley encouraged those who attended Saturday to remain involved in the effort.
A large white board was set up for anyone to share comments on what needs to be done at the playground and dreams for its future. Some of the needs included keeping it free of drugs and adding equipment, programs and other activities. Some also would like to see vandals held accountable for damage.
These concerns will be presented to city council during next month’s meeting.