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Website

http://www.starisland.org

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

Star Island is a non-profit retreat and conference center that hosts week-long conferences that are better described as camps for families and individuals. Our island playground located near our childcare facility is rather old and in need of a facelift. We would like to upgrade the playground equipment by starting the process of replacing a weathered wooden structure with more kid-friendly materials. We would also like to provide seating for parents and childcare providers as they look after children. We are also investigating opportunities to construct shaded areas.

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?

Star Island is a non-profit that owns the playground. As a Star Island community of staff, volunteers, and guests, we will all cooperate to bring about a positive change for our playground.

How will you involve local volunteers in the playground project?

As a non-profit, Star Island relies heavily upon the goodwill and commitment of volunteers. Most groups that come to Star Island set aside time each week dedicated to service projects. We will utilize our strong base of volunteers to help implement our playground facelift.

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

Kids of all ages are free to use the playgrounds on Star Island. We have a mix of children that visit for week long or shorter stays that mainly utilize the playgrounds, while many day visitors with children are also welcome to use the playground. A small number of staff children who reside on the island for the entire summer spend many hours a day at the playgrounds.

Discussion

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