Broadneck Park Playground Fix Comes After Persistence
The playground bridge at Broadneck Park was replaced by the county after a few months of having plywood and chains around the area.
Sometimes all it takes is a whistle blower.
A play bridge on the playground at Broadneck Park had been out for a few months, with plywood and chains in its place. But county workers recently made a fix to the park, and now the bridge is safe to cross again.
Kara McGuirk-Allison has been spearheading an effort to improve the park with the community group she created, Friends of Broadneck Park. The group works under the umbrella of the Broadneck Area Youth Sports (BAYS).
In an email sent to Friends supporters, McGuirk-Allison thanked the county's Department of Recreation and Parks for fixing the bridge, as well as Councilman Dick Ladd, who helped blow the whistle on the problem.
"I am happy to have an alternative to the previous plywood, plastic fencing, padlocks and chains," McGuirk-Allison said. "Thank you so much Councilman Ladd for making this a safer transition, but we still are going ahead with our fundraising effort, because there is still a lot to get done."
McGuirk-Allison said the fix hasn't changed the Friends' efforts to raise funds for a new park playground.
"That playground is 22 years old. Its time has come," she said.
The plan is to get new playground equipment that's more suitable for children of ages 2-12. Some younger children can't benefit from the current equipment, McGuirk-Allison said.
A new playground could cost between $50,000-$100,000 and, for that, the community will need to pitch in.
Fundraising efforts like the Broadneck Kite Festival have already been a hit with locals and more events are planned in 2012, like an upcoming golf tournament in September.
Ultimately, the work will be paid for by the members of the Broadneck community and gifted to the county, who owns the park property. McGuirk-Allison said she hopes to be able to keep the Friends of Broadneck Park around as a community group to help upkeep the park, and ensure it doesn't fall into disrepair again.
If you're interested in helping to restore the park, McGuirk-Allison said the best place to start right now is visiting and "liking" the Friends' Facebook page.
Friends of Broadneck Park
12:02 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Thanks Frank! We are looking to raise about $50k in our efforts. Folks can donate or check out our fundraisers at www.friendsofbroadneckpark.com. We appreciate everyone's help and support!
LaRue
2:59 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Outstanding! Any way you could get the county to cut the grass, on the
Broadneck Rd. side of the horse farm? Have you seen it?
Again, great work! Your Park Neighbor
Magothy Mom
3:53 pm on Thursday, May 17, 2012
I love the attention our park has been receiving! The dog park is so much nicer this year. Thanks to all the volunteers who started the clean up and the county for the maintenance efforts. Recently, the boy scouts planted trees and bushes. This Saturday the BAYS will drop thousands of pounds of dirt on the main field and hope that volunteers will help spread it. We will soon have one of the nicest community parks ever!