Keep going...

I just viewed your project page and want to tell you how inspired I am for your vision and project, I look forward to coming back and seeing your progress and impact! Darell Hammond CEO & Founder KaBOOM!

Posted: May 01, 2012 at 10:52 AM

Task Update: Determine trash and recycling plan

Construction debris will be hauled away from the ste by the professional company digging various post holes. Equipment packaging and the like will be placed in an onsite dumpster until it can be removed. Other trash and garbage will be appropriately bagged and placed in covered trash bins to await pickup by the city on regular trash collection day.

Posted: December 18, 2011 at 10:08 PM

Task Update: Secure first-aid providers

Do's and don'ts regarding safety for this build will be explained to volunteers by the the Build Leader and 3 reps from the install company. Volunteers will not use any heavy equipment or machinery during this build.
A basic first aid kit will be available at the registration table for build volunteers who may experience minor scrapes and bruises. A map with the nearest police, fire/EMS stations will also be available.

Posted: December 18, 2011 at 09:56 PM

Task Update: Create a parking plan

In the confirmation email sent several days prior to the scheduled build day, Volunteers were given information about where to park in the neighborhood. Certain streets were designated as best places to park.

Posted: December 18, 2011 at 09:32 PM

Task Update: Determine what safety signage you'll need

Temporary signage is currently in place but will be changed out for a permanent one that is more suitable for the space in terms of aesthetics, I.e., bright, eye-catching,
with more information regarding playground usage.

Posted: December 15, 2011 at 05:10 PM

Task Update: Build Day tips

Members of the Logistics Team will arrive at the build site at least one hour before the site opens to other volunteers to assost with what-ever set-ups need to happen for that day. E.g., they will ensure that all bathrooms are stocked with supplies lile hand soaps/sanitizers, paper towels, toilet tissue/toilet seat covers, air fresheners, etc.

Posted: December 15, 2011 at 01:42 AM

Task Update: Plan for deliveries

The play equipment was delivered and off loaded in the parking lot adjacent to the building on December 13. Larger pience are currently being stored in an area near the entry to the proposed playground and all of the hardware is secured inside the AsA Early Learning Center.

Posted: December 11, 2011 at 11:21 PM

Task Update: Create a safety handout

A safety handout has not been developed, but volunteers will be given instructions about safety by the Build Leaders and the installers who will supervise the assembly and installation of equipment. Volunteers will staff a table throughout the day with a first aid kit, addresses and phone numbers of the nearest fire station/EMS and police units. Plenty of water to keep volunteers hydrated during the build will be available.

Posted: December 15, 2011 at 01:20 AM

Task Update: Find a DJ and sound system

The project will not use a DJ per se but music has been mixed and recorded for build day. A PA system has been procured. Volunteers assigned to the Logistics Team will set=up and test this equipment and oversee its use during the day.

Posted: December 15, 2011 at 01:16 AM

Task Update: Investigate existing facilities and create a site map

This task has been completed. A site map has been created that locates all of the prep and build day activities, including equipment staging and assembly, registration, food service areas, bathrooms, site for installation of play equipment, placement of each piece of equipment, including accessories.

Posted: December 15, 2011 at 01:13 AM

Task Update: Assign responsibility for documenting the build

The project has recruited volunteer photographers and videographers who will take photos and videos, and get quotes from volunteers who participate in the build.

Posted: December 13, 2011 at 07:41 PM

Task Update: Send a press release to all media contacts

Press release for build day completed. Copy of it has been posted on the kaboom website.

Posted: December 13, 2011 at 07:38 PM

Build Day Press Release

The Elizabeth Ministry

200-210 55^th Street, NE

Washington, DC 20019

PRESS RELEASE

  The Elizabeth Ministry (“Ministry”), a District local non-profit organization announces the building of its AsA Early Learning Academy playground, which is being underwritten in part by KaBoom!, RKR Construction, and AT&T on Satruday, December 17, 2011 from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at 200-210 55^th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019.  The build project will use volunteers from across the District to create this wonderful play space for children in the Northeast quadrant of the Deanwood commuity.

    KaBOOM! is a national non-profit organization dedicated to saving play.  Today’s children spend less time playing outside than any previous generation in part because only 1-in-5 children live within walking distance of a park or playground. This Play deficit is having profound consequences for kids physically as well as mentally and socially. Children desperately need a place to play every day in order to be active and healthy. For 15 years, KaBOOM! has been saving play by ensuring there is a great place to play within walking distance of every child.

    The playground is a part of a comprehensive initiative that will provide housing and supportive services, including early learning opportunities for their children, to teen mothers near agining out of the foster care system. KaBoom awarded the Ministry with a $15,000.00 Snapple Group and Dr. Pepper grant that was augmentd by funding from the regional office of AT&T and the general contractor on the housing project, RKR Construction.

    Volunteers are invied to be a part of this exciting experience on Saturday, December 17, 2011, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the above address.

Posted: December 13, 2011 at 07:35 PM

Build Day Press Release

The Elizabeth Ministry

200-210 55^th Street, NE

Washington, DC 20019

PRESS RELEASE

  The Elizabeth Ministry (“Ministry”), a District local non-profit organization announces the building of its AsA Early Learning Academy playground, which is being underwritten in part by KaBoom!, RKR Construction, and AT&T on Satruday, December 17, 2011 from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at 200-210 55^th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019.  The build project will use volunteers from across the District to create this wonderful play space for children in the Northeast quadrant of the Deanwood commuity.

    KaBOOM! is a national non-profit organization dedicated to saving play.  Today’s children spend less time playing outside than any previous generation in part because only 1-in-5 children live within walking distance of a park or playground. This Play deficit is having profound consequences for kids physically as well as mentally and socially. Children desperately need a place to play every day in order to be active and healthy. For 15 years, KaBOOM! has been saving play by ensuring there is a great place to play within walking distance of every child.

    The playground is a part of a comprehensive initiative that will provide housing and supportive services, including early learning opportunities for their children, to teen mothers near agining out of the foster care system. KaBoom awarded the Ministry with a $15,000.00 Snapple Group and Dr. Pepper grant that was augmentd by funding from the regional office of AT&T and the general contractor on the housing project, RKR Construction.

    Volunteers are invied to be a part of this exciting experience on Saturday, December 17, 2011, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the above address.

Posted: December 13, 2011 at 07:35 PM

Task Update: Confirm delivery of equipment and surfacing

Delivery of play equipment, originally scheduled for December 14, is now due to arrive on December 13. A team is in place to take delivery and to ensure that the inventory is complete. Surfacing delivery is not yet scheduled but we are working with the supplier to determine a date y which this will be done. Because the surface is a poured one, there are factors such as temperature, etc. to be considered. We hope to have the surface in before the end of the year.

Posted: December 05, 2011 at 11:34 PM

Task Update: Plan for restrooms

Ample bathroom facilities are located in the AsA Early Learning Center and specific facilities are being identified for use during the build. Logistics Team volunteers will be responsible for ensuring that facilities are kept stocked during the day and cleaned at the end of the build. Hand sanitizers, paper towels, toilet tissue, toilet seat covers, and the like are being provided for food service and bathroom areas. Rubber gloves are to be provided for use in cleaning these areas as well.

Posted: December 05, 2011 at 11:38 PM

Task Update: Determine tent/table/chair needs

Food and registration services will take place indoors. The required number of tables and chairs for these activities have been determined and are being procured, either through rental or loan.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 09:44 PM

Task Update: Plan the food area

Food and beverage services will be provided inside the AsA Early Learning Center which is equipped with a kitchen and other amenities to facilitate this activity. This area is adjacent to the build site with easy access to the site. Service will be provided to volunteers in shifts.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 09:39 PM

Task Update: Create Build Day signage

Signage for the registration, food service, and bathroom areas have been created. Other items such as banners, ballons, and ribbons will be used to identify the build site.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 09:34 PM

Task Update: Check in with your playground installer

Our project manager is in constant contact with the installer and the shipper of the equipment to ensure that they are on target. Discussions and written confirmation abut roles and expectations have been received and are constantly being updated as necessary.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 02:06 AM

Task Update: Organize a thank you system

The playground Build Day coordinator will be responsible for sending out thank you notes to donors. It is panned that major donors will be recognized on banner hung at the build site. Also thought is being given to adding donor names on a playground plaque at the entrance to the play space at a later date.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 02:01 AM

Task Update: Finalize your registration system

This task has been completed. A registration team leader has been assigned to manage the other volunteers and the work assigned to the team. There will be separate lines for pre-registered volunteers and for on site registrants. Name tags for pre-registered participants with color-coded team assignments have been prepared. Blank name tags color-coded for teams still needing volunteers have been prepared as well so that as unassigned volunteers show up, they can be immediately and easily assigned. The team leader is responsible for ensuing tat every volunteers has completed a waiver form.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 01:54 AM

Task Update: Assign volunteers to teams

This an ongoing process, however, all volunteers who pre-registered for the build have already been assigned.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 01:40 AM

Task Update: Organize volunteer confirmation calls

Using a combination of emails and phone calls, reminders will be sent to volunteers who have pre-registered for the build day providing with more detailed information about the day and logistics for the day.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 01:37 AM

Task Update: Schedule major site prep tasks

Major site preparation has been completed. Digging post holes, staging components, hardware, and tools will take place on December 15-16. A team of volunteers and representatives from ARV will complete these tasks.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 12:59 AM

Task Update: Complete major site prep tasks

The site has already been prepared for the build with the exception of digging the post holes. The site has been appropriately leveled and there was previously existing play space so it was not necessary to remove old equipment. A photo of the build site has been posted on our page.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 12:42 AM

Task Update: Create a budget

No budget is necessary because the majority of the required tools ate being provided by ARV and others have been loaned to the build.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 12:37 AM

Task Update: Talk to your installer to manage expectations

The project manager has been in discussion and received written confirmation from our installers about expectations and specifically what their roles will be. E.g., ARV will provide 3 supervisors to manage the volunteer build teams. They will also be actively involved in site preparation.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 12:30 AM

Task Update: Talk to your installer to manage expectations

The project manager has been in discussion and received written confirmation from our installers about expectations and specifically what their roles will be. E.g., ARV will provide 3 supervisors to manage the volunteer build teams. They will also be actively involved in site preparation.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 12:30 AM

Task Update: Create a solicitation strategy

The project had sourced all of the tools required for the build through loans from individuals and organizations, e.g., the supervisory team fro ARV will supply most of the tools required.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 12:21 AM

Task Update: Decide which site amenities / side projects to include

Amenities such as picnic tables, benches, a bike rack are being added to the play space. As additional funds are received, it is anticipated that various landscaping projects will be undertaken to enhance the space aesthetically.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 12:16 AM

Task Update: Determine if you need any permits

Because the playground build site is part of a larger construction project, all necessary permits have been received. Site plans and playground design have also been approved.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 12:13 AM

Task Update: Types of playground digging equipment

The post holes for this build are being dug manually and a team of volunteers will be available to complete this task during the 2- day build prep period.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 12:11 AM

Task Update: Learn about recommended tools and materials

All of the tools needed for the build have been identified and sourced. The surfacing for this build will be done professionally after the equipment and other menities have been installed

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 12:06 AM

Task Update: Learn about recommended tools and materials

All of the tools needed for the build have been identified and sourced. The surfacing for this build will be done professionally after the equipment and other menities have been installed

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 12:06 AM

Task Update: Introduction to tools and site preparation

Site preparation is taking place on December 15-16. A team is in place, icluding professionals from ARV, that will dig the post holes, haul away debris, and deliver concrete.

Posted: December 12, 2011 at 12:01 AM

Task Update: Learn before you buy

The Project Manager along with architects who designed the AsA Early Learning Center have had extensive discussions with a professional playground manufacturers, Playworld Systems, who are safety-certified and ADA compliant. equipment providers to determine the equipment selected. The systems selected will be supported by posts that are direct buried in the ground with concrete footers around the posts.

Posted: December 11, 2011 at 11:55 PM

Task Update: Decide on final playground design

The final playground site is completed and there is a site map. The site is ADA accessible and includes benches, tables, a bike rack, trash cans.

Posted: December 11, 2011 at 11:41 PM

Task Update: Choose a playground surfacing option

All Recreation of Virginia is the vendor supplying the play equipment and they will also deliver and install One Pour Bonded rubber Surfacing. The surfacing will not be installed until after the build.

Posted: December 11, 2011 at 11:36 PM

Task Update: Plan the registration area

The registration area will be located within the AsA Early Learning Center adjacent to the build site. Arrangements have been made to procure needed tables and chairs to support this activity. Volunteers have been assigned to carry out this function.

Posted: December 11, 2011 at 11:25 PM

Task Update: Add a photo to your project page

Photos of the build site have been added to our project page.

Posted: December 05, 2011 at 11:49 PM

Task Update: Start food solicitation process at local businesses

As indicated in responses to previous items in the food to-do list, this process is well underway. The AsA Early Learning Center where the actual food service will occur has enough space to set-up, prepare, and serve the food.
It is intended that the majority of all food and other supples be delivered to the build site two days before the build date. Perishable items will be delivered the day of the build. It is planned that set-up of food prep areas, tables, chairs, etc. be completed the day before the build.

Posted: December 05, 2011 at 06:21 PM

Task Update: Finalize list of food and drink donors

This is an ongoing process. Phone calls and follow-up letters has been sent to various commercial food suppliers in the area of the build as well as to individuals and organizations. To date, we have received cash donations from individuals as well as commitments for various food items. We will confirm all such donations no later than December 10, 2011.

Posted: December 05, 2011 at 06:25 PM

Task Update: Identify volunteers for service and clean-up

One of the teams associated with the build is a Logistics Team that will have responsibility for ensuring that the build site, food service service areas, and bathroom facilities are left in good order after the build is complete. This team is responsibile for bagging and disposal of all trash and debris.

The Food Service Team will include volunteers who are responsible for food preparation and service.

Posted: December 05, 2011 at 06:15 PM

Task Update: Draft a food budget

Every effort is being made to to get as much of the food and other supplies needed for build day through donations. However, we have some funds have been set aside to purchase food items to supplement those which are to be donated.

Posted: December 05, 2011 at 06:11 PM

Task Update: Make list of needed food supplies

This task has been completed. Based upon the established menus, a list of necessary food supplies, utensils has been created. We have identified those items for which we solicit donations, either cash or in-kind, and efforts to solicit these are well underway.

Posted: December 05, 2011 at 06:08 PM

Task Update: Identify the location food will be served

Because this build takes place in December, food service will take place in the AsA Early Learning Center adjacent to the build site where there are kitchen facilities and other appropriate amenities.

Posted: December 05, 2011 at 06:18 PM

Task Update: Introduction to food

A Food Team leader has been identified and a plan for soliciting food items and other supplies is being executed. Menus have been created for the build day which is the only day that such items will be needed. More details are provided in responses to other parts of the food to-do list.

Posted: December 01, 2011 at 02:03 PM

Task Update: Map food assets in the community

A mapping of food assets in the community has already been completed. Calls have been made to local food establishment near the site to solicit foodstuffs, cash donations, and other items that needed for the activity. Calls have been followed up with letters and personal visits. We have already received commitments for such items as bottled water, snack bars, fruit, pastriies, bagels and cream cheese, tea, hot chocolate, homemade soups, etc.

Posted: December 05, 2011 at 06:01 PM

Task Update: Brainstorm types of food to serve

A Food Service Team Leader has been selected and volunteers are being assigned to that team. Menus have been determined taking into consideration people's food needs and preferences and in terms of nutritional value. E.g., homemade soups, vegetarian and non-vergetarian, will be provided, along with fruits, nutritional snack bars, sandwiches, hot tea, hot chocolate, bottled water, bagels and cream cheese, pastries, etc.

Posted: December 05, 2011 at 06:03 PM

Task Update: Create volunteer waiver

We are planning to use the sample waiver form found on the Kaboom site. However, it has been forwarded to our legal counsel for review and amendment, if necessary, to meet our particular needs. It will be finalized and readied for use on build day within the next week.

Posted: December 05, 2011 at 07:18 PM

Task Update: Start recruiting volunteers!

Although, we did not use the Kaboom site email invite resource, hundreds of email blasts to our own network of friends, organizational affiliates, etc. have been sent inviting them to participate in this build day activity. All of them were sent a flyer about the activity along with a registration form. Confirmation emails will be sent to each respondent several days before the build date.

Posted: November 29, 2011 at 10:56 AM