Task Update: Community Build FAQs

We can so do this! We would love a chance to get our volunteers to build our community's first playground! City bid requirements, etc. are holding us back. Hurry up and wait seems to be the City's MO. Once we do this and get it right, other communities will be able to follow our lead so it's worth giving it our best shot!

Posted: February 12, 2012 at 10:55 PM

Task Update: Overview of Teams

We haven't received the OK yet to do a community build from the City. It is great that we are the first community to request this, but it's also frustrating. Convincing the City to let us build our playground - cheaper! - is monumental. We have a new Director of Design and Construction and hopefully she'll be a great friend to Niu Valley!

Posted: February 12, 2012 at 10:47 PM

Task Update: Incorporate sun safety into design

We have requested that the Department of Parks and Recreation provide us with several shower trees to plant strategically to give much needed shade to our playground.

Posted: February 12, 2012 at 10:41 PM

Task Update: Introduction to food

We just helped sponsor a Recycling Day at Kalani High School and learned how much food and drinks will be necessary for 30 volunteers. While we have to wait for the City to give us the green light for our participation in our playground build, we have at least some idea of this aspect.

Posted: January 17, 2012 at 01:05 AM

Task Update: Craft advocacy materials

This is a great idea! While we've been sending out press releases and posting on Facebook and Twitter, our elderly residents do only get their news from the newspaper. So we will do a Letter soon! Mahalo!

Posted: January 17, 2012 at 12:19 AM

Task Update: Send soil samples for testing

There has never been anything on our playground except a dairy 100 years ago.

Posted: January 17, 2012 at 12:16 AM

Task Update: Determine if you need any permits

This is a City project, so we won't need any permits.

Posted: January 17, 2012 at 12:14 AM

Task Update: Types of playground digging equipment

We have partnered with Homeworks Construction who will grade and prep the area for free. This is a huge help as we have a slope and rocks to deal with.

Posted: January 17, 2012 at 12:12 AM

Task Update: Enhance your space with side projects and amenities

We have to build a retaining wall that surrounds one half of our playground because it will be built on a slope. So we designed it to give parents an opportunity to sit comfortably and watch their children play if they don't want to work out at the fitness stations. We will add a park bench because we've never had one and an all important trash can. Landscape Structures has given us a certificate for a free OmniSpinâ„¢ Spinner as a thank you for entering the Together We Playâ„¢ essay contest. The Spinner is valued at $6,000 and we would love to include it in our plans. Unfortunately, we may be able to because there's only so much available flat area in our park.

Posted: January 17, 2012 at 12:05 AM

Task Update: Select your equipment vendor

Our equipment vendor is Landscape Structures in Minnesota! They have the most awesome playgrounds! Our playground will have an ozone climber, slalom glider, blender spinner, swiggle stix bridge, helix net, ring tangle climber ... Who wouldn't want to climb on equipment with those names?!? We are so excited that our children will be playing on this fantastic play equipment this summer.

Posted: January 17, 2012 at 12:01 AM

RevoluSun Donates $5,000 and other significant support for a playground in Niu Valley

Innovative playground continues to attracts supporters to build community’s first playground

HONOLULU – www.NiuValleyPlayground.com –  Hawaii's leading solar energy firm, RevoluSun, has partnered with the Niu Valley Community Association to raise $100,000 to purchase playground equipment.  As a corporate sponsor, RevoluSun has joined a growing list of organizations that have given or pledged at least $5,000 to support this innovative public-private project, including the HMSA Foundation, Landscape Structures, KaBOOM!, Let’s Play and the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. 

Peter Kay, Niu Valley’s Playground Chair, said that “RevoluSun is a perfect example of a company embracing a spirit of giving and community.  We hope that more organizations will follow their lead.”

Eric Carlson, one of RevoluSun’s principals, added “RevoluSun empowers people to take control of their energy future to build cleaner, smarter communities, so we are proud to be a supporter of empowering the Niu Valley community to make a brighter future for the keiki.” 

In addition to the significant monetary donation, RevoluSun plans a robust community program to help raise awareness and support of the project.  In an effort to educate homeowners about solar, RevoluSun  offers weekly Solar Open Houses throughout Oahu where customers open their homes to let others see their solar systems in action.  In addition, RevoluSun holds regular solar education seminars statewide to educate people about the basics of solar.  Through both these channels, RevoluSun will have information and make regular announcements about the Niu Valley playground project, in an effort to gain more support.

“In addition to leveraging our existing educational channels, RevoluSun will also be printing and distributing mailers, yard signs and our new street team will be out in full force encouraging Niu Valley residents to get involved and help make the new playground a reality,” said Carlson. “We’re so pleased to be a part of this project.”

“We’re grateful to RevoluSun for their generous donation of time, money and manpower today and the additional commitment to provide a $500 donation per system installed in the month of February to our playground for all residents of Niu Valley,” said Jeannine Johnson, Secretary of the Association.  “RevoluSun has installed a dozen solar systems in Niu Valley and several of its principals and sales people live here in Niu Valley.” 

Other creative fundraising strategies the Association has planned to raise money are an ice cream social in February at Bubbies Ice Cream in Koko Marina and a series of teak furniture sales.  Samantha Spain, owner Bali Furnishings and a Niu Valley resident, will give a portion of the sales to the playground on purchases of brand new teak tables, loungers, cushion boxes starting January 21.  “Taking part in such a worthy cause was something we didn’t even think twice in asking how we can help.  Laying a strong foundation on a playground accessible for everyone and promoting outdoor activities for our future is what island living is all about,” said Ms. Spain. 

To find out how you can help Niu Valley, please visit www.niuvalleyplayground.com.

RevoluSun is Hawaii’s largest solar provider, designing and installing more than 1,000 photovoltaic projects generating 20 MW of clean energy. Providing the highest quality of service, technology and design in renewable energy, RevoluSun is bringing cleaner, smarter energy to communities, one rooftop at a time.  With its extensive network of alternative energy partners and detailed knowledge of federal and state tax incentives, RevoluSun makes renewable solar energy an affordable, attractive option for both homeowners and businesses.

Hawaii-owned RevoluSun offers free, understandable energy evaluations to its residential clients, which allow for customized systems based on each home’s unique energy needs. RevoluSun also provides a robust community education program aimed at educating homeowners on how solar works and what tax incentives are available through its free solar education series and solar open house programs. For commercial and government projects, RevoluSun is pioneering new models in renewable energy that provide maximum value, expertise and service, while ensuring its client’s structure the best possible business models to take advantage of local renewable energy opportunities. For more information about RevoluSun visit www.RevoluSun.com or call Eric Carlson at 808.748.8888.

Posted: January 16, 2012 at 11:59 PM

We have a Playground Committee Meeting Wed., Jan. 11, 2012

We'll be going over our corporate sponsorship invitations as well as donations requests to area businesses.  We hope to have some good news to share - and get another Press Release out! 

Posted: January 10, 2012 at 01:17 AM

Niu Valley Playground has been selected as one of the 10 Finalists in the 2011 Let’s Play Playground Design Contest!

Congratulations!!!

Your Playground has been selected as one of the 10 Finalists in the 2011 Let’s Play Playground Design Contest!

Let’s Play and KaBOOM! are very excited for you and your playgrounds!

1.       What are the next steps?

Go see your project live on Facebook starting Monday October 31st! Go to: facebook.com/letsplay

2.       Get all of your friends to vote on facebook.com/letsplay.

Below are some ideas that winning communities in the past have used to get out the vote: (I’ve also attached a quick guide to some other awesome voting ideas)

·         Emails to Everyone!

·         Facebook, Twitter & other Social Media

·         Community Message Boards (especially of local sports teams to build upon rivalries)

·         Local Radio Stations

·         Craigslist (in the following sections: Community Events, Activities, Free Stuff)

·         Posters around the City (libraries, restaurants, community centers)

·         Reminder Notes to Elementary Students’ Parents

3.       Check the leader board daily & keep voting once a day until November 11, 2011 ay 11:59pm EST.*

4.       Winners will be notified on Monday November 14, 2011.

Posted: October 28, 2011 at 07:32 PM

Niu Valley Playground has been selected as one of the 10 Finalists in the 2011 Let’s Play Playground Design Contest!

Congratulations!!!

Your Playground has been selected as one of the 10 Finalists in the 2011 Let’s Play Playground Design Contest!

Let’s Play and KaBOOM! are very excited for you and your playgrounds!

1.       What are the next steps?

Go see your project live on Facebook starting Monday October 31st! Go to: facebook.com/letsplay

2.       Get all of your friends to vote on facebook.com/letsplay.

Below are some ideas that winning communities in the past have used to get out the vote: (I’ve also attached a quick guide to some other awesome voting ideas)

·         Emails to Everyone!

·         Facebook, Twitter & other Social Media

·         Community Message Boards (especially of local sports teams to build upon rivalries)

·         Local Radio Stations

·         Craigslist (in the following sections: Community Events, Activities, Free Stuff)

·         Posters around the City (libraries, restaurants, community centers)

·         Reminder Notes to Elementary Students’ Parents

3.       Check the leader board daily & keep voting once a day until November 11, 2011 ay 11:59pm EST.*

4.       Winners will be notified on Monday November 14, 2011.

Posted: October 28, 2011 at 07:32 PM

Task Update: Share what you have accomplished at Design Day

We picked our design over 4 years ago. Parents and grandparents from all walks of life have spent many hours on a mission to get the Parks and Recreation Deparment of the City and County of Honolulu to put our community on a list of proposed playgrounds and then to fund it. Our ability to raise monies to purchase our own equipment is the reason why we have this awesome design instead of the cookie cutter design at most O'ahu parks.

Posted: October 20, 2011 at 01:41 AM

Task Update: Asset-based community development

We have already completed two surveys of our residents to map out our capacity to achieve a successful community build project. Surveys show 87% of our residents are willing to assist with fundraising and almost 63% are willing to volunteer their time. We have also established a wide consortium of stake holder organizations, both public and private, that support our playground project. Our fiscal sponsor, Kaho‘omiki, is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles among the people of Hawai‘i. We’ve gotten plans drawn up by a resident architect and a commitment from Homeworks Construction, Inc. to grade and prepare the area free of charge. HMSA Foundation gave us a $5,000 grant and we’ve also acquired monies in the City and County of Honolulu’s CIP (construction) budget for our playground. We’ve received letters of support from the Niu Valley Middle School, Lions Club, Boy Scouts, our state Representative and City Councilman.

Posted: October 19, 2011 at 12:54 AM

Task Update: Introduction to event logistics

Our core group is diligently working on getting a room at Kilohana to meet. We will be meeting with the principal at Niu Valley Middle School to arrange for the rest.

Posted: October 19, 2011 at 12:46 AM

Task Update: Determine how to deal with old equipment

We have never had playground equipment, so this is one item we don't have to deal with.

Posted: October 19, 2011 at 12:44 AM

Budget

 
Cost
Donation
Adjusted Cost

Sitework

Excavation

$6,000
$6,000
$0

Hauling and Disposal

$3,000
$3,000
$0

Retaining wall

$12,000

$12,000

Bricks

$7,500

$7,500

Equipment

Picnic tables

$2,000

$2,000

Trash can

$500

$500

Playground equipment

$44,000

$44,000

Exercise equipment

$11,000

$11,000

Shipping

$11,000

$11,000

installation

$22,000
$17,000
$5,000

Site Improvements

Landscaping

$6,000
$3,000
$3,000

Irrigation

$3,000

$3,000

Sign

$2,000
$1,000
$1,000

Total
$130,000
$30,000
$100,000

Posted: October 02, 2011 at 09:01 PM

Budget

 
Cost
Donation
Adjusted Cost

Sitework

Excavation

$6,000
$6,000
$0

Hauling and Disposal

$3,000
$3,000
$0

Retaining wall

$12,000

$12,000

Bricks

$7,500

$7,500

Equipment

Picnic tables

$2,000

$2,000

Trash can

$500

$500

Playground equipment

$44,000

$44,000

Exercise equipment

$11,000

$11,000

Shipping

$11,000

$11,000

installation

$22,000
$17,000
$5,000

Site Improvements

Landscaping

$6,000
$3,000
$3,000

Irrigation

$3,000

$3,000

Sign

$2,000
$1,000
$1,000

Total
$130,000
$30,000
$100,000

Posted: October 02, 2011 at 09:01 PM

Task Update: Community Build Liability

We've received a letter dated September 29, 2011 of Self-insurance from the City and County of Honolulu that includes the Niu Valley
Playground community project, and its sponsors, in lieu of any insurance as may be required for the captioned project.

Posted: October 02, 2011 at 08:34 PM

Timeline

Done
Task
Due Date
Date Done

X
Response to Niu Valley's request for playground equipment from Honolulu Mayor:  "No playground apparatus will be installed due to a lack of master planning, project designing, funding and space.”

4/2004

X
Received unanimous support from the Kuli‘ou‘ou / Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board #2 for playground equipment to be placed in Niu Valley Park and meet with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).

8/2005

X
State Representative places $100,000 in CIP budget for playground equipment.

7/2006

X
Per City Councilman, "$100,000 not enough for construction."

5/2007

X
Niu Valley receives $5,000 grant from HMSA Foundation and fiscal sponsor Kaho'omiki.

7/2008

X
City Councilman places $250,000 in CIP budget.

8/2010

X
Due to budget constraints and the economy, DPR requires significant private support for the construction of a new playground.
 
2/2011

X
Rally community, engage resident architect and send out survey to be used for grants.
7/1/2011
6/23/2011

X
Meet with Playground Hui to measure park perimeters, finalize playground design, budget and plans for community build.  Request meeting with City.
7/13/2011
7/13/2011

X
Submit Let's Play Grant Construction Grant & Together We Play Grant.
7/31/2011
7/31/2011

X
Conference call to prepare presentation to the City and obtain construction partner Homeworks.
8/17/2011
8/17/2011

X
Present plans to City Managing Director, DPR, and Department of Design and Construction at City Hall.
9/1/2011
8/26/2011

X
Begin KaBoom! Project Planner, submit Request for Invitation to Lego and the Long Foundation.
9/4/2011
9/4/2011

X
Playground Hui Meeting to set fundraising target ($88,000) and build date (6/8/12-the Friday before King Kamehameha Holiday on Monday, 6/11/12).  Survey stakes in ground and topomap prepared by City.
9/14/2011
9/14/2011

X
Meet with Fundraising Specialist to develop a fundraising plan, form a fundraising committee with a well-known corporate chair, plan a kick-off dinner for large donors, create publicity using resident media personalities, and run an engraved brick campaign for community donations.  
9/21/2011
9/21/2011

X
Open bank account with fiscal sponsor to receive donations and grant funds so that they are tax deductible. 
9/26/2011
9/26/2011

Obtain brick engraving estimates, meet with Playground Hui, corporate chair, and Landscape Structures/Island Recreation rep. to get equipment specs, craft corporate sponsor letters, donations from area businesses, kick-off dinner details and plan "auction" of playground equipment.  Make website for info and with donations direct to bank account.
10/12/2011

Purchase and post 2 banners with website to donate and $ donations received.  Fundraising in full gear:  kickoff dinner done or soon to be completed; roll out brick campaign before Thanksgiving.  
11/1/2011

Architect to prepare all requested specifications for City.
12/31/2011

Meet with Island Recreation rep. for update on fundraising progress and equipment order deadline.  
1/1/2012

Meet with Homeworks Construction to give them all specs and find out any special needs for grading and preparation of site.  Create a detailed site layout that shows the location of all the playground equipment (including workout stations, picnic tables and sidewalk.  Show where equipment will be stored, assembled, and/or cut.  Do site inspection and mark areas with stakes and laminated names/picture.  
2/1/2012

If donations lagging, plan a "Walk for Play" Day with Niu Valley children in Spring and invite media.  
2/1/2012

Purchase equipment from Island Recreation; arrange for gift to the City of playground equipment.
3/1/2012

Organize build-day team to recruit volunteers, solicit donations of water, breafast, lunch and snacks, portapotties, tents, chairs, sound system and raffle prizes.  Ask Dr. Alailima to man first-aid station.  Obtain Niu Middle School permission to use field to store construction equipment and supplies and use of water spiget closest to site.  Notify AYSO.  
3/2/2012

Meet with City to confirm build day plans; meet with community at annual meeting to layout plans.  
4/1/2012

Meet with build day team captains to coordinate build day logistics and any missing items.
5/1/2012

 
Build Day
6/8/2012
 

Install irrigation and landscaping (donated by Aloha ‘Aina 'O Kamilo Nui nursery).  Send mahalos to build day businesses.
7/1/2012

Identify mālama (care) group for the playground maintenance (12 families or individuals who can take one month each to check equipment, paint over graffiti, and call Island Recreation if there is a major problem).  
8/1/2012

Posted: October 02, 2011 at 08:29 PM

Timeline

Done
Task
Due Date
Date Done

X
Response to Niu Valley's request for playground equipment from Honolulu Mayor:  "No playground apparatus will be installed due to a lack of master planning, project designing, funding and space.”

4/2004

X
Received unanimous support from the Kuli‘ou‘ou / Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board #2 for playground equipment to be placed in Niu Valley Park and meet with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).

8/2005

X
State Representative places $100,000 in CIP budget for playground equipment.

7/2006

X
Per City Councilman, "$100,000 not enough for construction."

5/2007

X
Niu Valley receives $5,000 grant from HMSA Foundation and fiscal sponsor Kaho'omiki.

7/2008

X
City Councilman places $250,000 in CIP budget.

8/2010

X
Due to budget constraints and the economy, DPR requires significant private support for the construction of a new playground.
 
2/2011

X
Rally community, engage resident architect and send out survey to be used for grants.
7/1/2011
6/23/2011

X
Meet with Playground Hui to measure park perimeters, finalize playground design, budget and plans for community build.  Request meeting with City.
7/13/2011
7/13/2011

X
Submit Let's Play Grant Construction Grant & Together We Play Grant.
7/31/2011
7/31/2011

X
Conference call to prepare presentation to the City and obtain construction partner Homeworks.
8/17/2011
8/17/2011

X
Present plans to City Managing Director, DPR, and Department of Design and Construction at City Hall.
9/1/2011
8/26/2011

X
Begin KaBoom! Project Planner, submit Request for Invitation to Lego and the Long Foundation.
9/4/2011
9/4/2011

X
Playground Hui Meeting to set fundraising target ($88,000) and build date (6/8/12-the Friday before King Kamehameha Holiday on Monday, 6/11/12).  Survey stakes in ground and topomap prepared by City.
9/14/2011
9/14/2011

X
Meet with Fundraising Specialist to develop a fundraising plan, form a fundraising committee with a well-known corporate chair, plan a kick-off dinner for large donors, create publicity using resident media personalities, and run an engraved brick campaign for community donations.  
9/21/2011
9/21/2011

X
Open bank account with fiscal sponsor to receive donations and grant funds so that they are tax deductible. 
9/26/2011
9/26/2011

Obtain brick engraving estimates, meet with Playground Hui, corporate chair, and Landscape Structures/Island Recreation rep. to get equipment specs, craft corporate sponsor letters, donations from area businesses, kick-off dinner details and plan "auction" of playground equipment.  Make website for info and with donations direct to bank account.
10/12/2011

Purchase and post 2 banners with website to donate and $ donations received.  Fundraising in full gear:  kickoff dinner done or soon to be completed; roll out brick campaign before Thanksgiving.  
11/1/2011

Architect to prepare all requested specifications for City.
12/31/2011

Meet with Island Recreation rep. for update on fundraising progress and equipment order deadline.  
1/1/2012

Meet with Homeworks Construction to give them all specs and find out any special needs for grading and preparation of site.  Create a detailed site layout that shows the location of all the playground equipment (including workout stations, picnic tables and sidewalk.  Show where equipment will be stored, assembled, and/or cut.  Do site inspection and mark areas with stakes and laminated names/picture.  
2/1/2012

If donations lagging, plan a "Walk for Play" Day with Niu Valley children in Spring and invite media.  
2/1/2012

Purchase equipment from Island Recreation; arrange for gift to the City of playground equipment.
3/1/2012

Organize build-day team to recruit volunteers, solicit donations of water, breafast, lunch and snacks, portapotties, tents, chairs, sound system and raffle prizes.  Ask Dr. Alailima to man first-aid station.  Obtain Niu Middle School permission to use field to store construction equipment and supplies and use of water spiget closest to site.  Notify AYSO.  
3/2/2012

Meet with City to confirm build day plans; meet with community at annual meeting to layout plans.  
4/1/2012

Meet with build day team captains to coordinate build day logistics and any missing items.
5/1/2012

 
Build Day
6/8/2012
 

Install irrigation and landscaping (donated by Aloha ‘Aina 'O Kamilo Nui nursery).  Send mahalos to build day businesses.
7/1/2012

Identify mālama (care) group for the playground maintenance (12 families or individuals who can take one month each to check equipment, paint over graffiti, and call Island Recreation if there is a major problem).  
8/1/2012

Posted: October 02, 2011 at 08:29 PM

Task Update: Write grant applications

Another section we have already completed. Having already submitted several grants, we have all the pieces of a well planned proposal prepared. We will need to plan ahead when submitting grants that do not have on-line submission processes as it will take some extra time to get our fiscal sponsor's signatures.

Posted: September 03, 2011 at 09:55 PM

Task Update: Prepare letters of inquiry

We have filled out an eligibility quiz for a grant from Lego. We have also targeted a few organizations that do not have grant applications on-line and will be sending them letters of inquiry in September, 2011.

Posted: September 03, 2011 at 09:53 PM

Task Update: Gather materials for potential grant opportunities

It doesn't seem possible, but we have organized all this information already. We are ahead in this category. Snap!

Posted: September 03, 2011 at 09:47 PM

Task Update: Research grants you plan to apply for

We've subscribed to several grant lists and checked out KABOOM's too. We have already submitted several grants: Shane's Inspiration/Landscape Structures, Dr. Pepper/Snapple and have targeted other organizations that support child development, communities and health. We've made a list with the deadlines and are committed to submitted two proposals every month, hopefully more. Imua!

Posted: September 03, 2011 at 09:42 PM

Task Update: Introduction to fundraising

We have our fiscal sponsor and are ready to accept grants and pledges! If you want to be a part of our fundraising team, we are meeting on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 6 pm. Please email Jeannine at jeannine@hawaii.rr.com if you can join us. Mahalo!

Posted: September 03, 2011 at 09:33 PM

Task Update: How to use the Project Planner

I use a matrix at work to plan large events and KABOOMS' Project Planner is terrific. Mahalo KABOOM!

Posted: September 03, 2011 at 09:30 PM

Task Update: Update your basic information to become grant eligible

We already have a fiscal sponsor, Kahoomiki Hawai'i's Council on Physical Activity, who writes: "We believe this project meshes perfectly with and is an important part of our organizational strategic plan to build better communities through active recreation, sport and play. We value opportunities to collaborate on efforts that embrace the important roles of public and private partners that share a vision for a healthy, vibrant and active community. And we appreciate the great work of committed communities, parents, and other stakeholders, such as Niu Valley Community Association, who continue to serve as champions for the social, health and economic wellbeing of our keiki."

Posted: September 03, 2011 at 09:18 PM

Task Update: Select build site and consider big picture tasks

Four members of our Playground Hui had a meeting with the City & County of Honololulu's Department of Parks and Design and Construction as well as the Managing Director on Friday, August 26, 2011. After presenting our plans and a short presentation, the Managing Director said the City would partner with us to do a community built playground.

Posted: September 03, 2011 at 09:16 PM