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Website

www.buildjakesplace.org

So you’re going to improve your local playground. What’s your great idea?

Thiough we completed Jake's Place, a half million dollar boundless playground last year we are still working on the site (while we build a "Miracle Field" next door.) Many of the special need parents who play there have expressed how much they love Jake's Place, but wish they could have a relief from the sometimes harsh sun. In addition, some of the kids with disabilities or special needs should not be in the sun for hours. Thereore we have poured cement to enact two shade areas - all we need is the money for the overhead shade structure!

Which local nonprofit, school, or park district will you work with, and how will you work with them to choose a playground for the project?

Camden County Parks Department is our partner and they have chosen Challenge Grove (site of Jake’s Place, the proposed Miracle Field and Special Olympics competitions) as their preferred site for any project aimed at those with disabilities or special needs. We have their full cooperation – and they will maintain and insure the site after our involvement.

How will you involve local volunteers in the playground project?

Build Jake's Place uses the wonderful skills of volunteers all year long for every project including playground improvement days. The AmBucs organization of skilled craftsmen and mechanics have agreed to erect the shade structures.

Tell us about the kids that will be using the playground.

Every day hundreds of kids use Jake's Place - even in the rain. It is not unusual to see a school bus for special needs kids pull up early in the day, to play for hours. At noon, young mothers and toddlers arrive while school kids show up about 3:30. At 8PM (in the summer) many little voices can be heard protesting "Do I have to leave now?" A rainbow of children of every ability, ethnicity and age love Jake's Place - it is a spectacular success!

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