By Aaron Retherford
Some of Trow Hill Playground’s equipment is at least 50 years old. And some of it hasn’t even survived over the years, making it a perfect candidate for the latest round of playground revitalization.
However, this Town of Barre neighborhood needs your help. On May 20-22, 20-30 volunteers are needed each day to help install new playground equipment. As long as you can use a shovel or turn a wrench, you can help.
The Community Build will be supervised by certified playground build equipment installers.
Last year, as part of Zach Bullock’s Eagle Scout project, the picnic shelter was upgraded, picnic tabletops and seats were replaced/rebuilt, and 11 truckloads of brush were removed. The town also resurfaced the basketball court and replaced the basketball hoop, a popular venue for teenagers.
But you have a chance to help install the fun stuff that will have neighborhood kids flocking to the park. Later this month, volunteers will help install a “Cruise Line” ride, “Imagine Dragon” structure, tire swing, new swing seats, and a spring rider.
The new equipment is designed to be safer and more ADA accessible also.
In recent years, the parks in upper Websterville and upper Graniteville have been revitalized. The Trow Hill project has been funded by taxpayer money, a state grant, and neighborhood fundraisers. The Community Build helps cut down on cost by not having to hire workers.
The Trow Hill Playground on Hill Street is an important fixture in the community. And at about a mile away from downtown Barre City, there are hopes that the new playground equipment will entice others from outside the Trow Hill area to visit and enjoy the park.
“Everyone who lives there keeps telling me ‘oh there are so many kids who live here.’ It’s probably a bit higher than 20 percent of the neighborhood is school aged,” Barre Assistant Town Manager Elaine Wang said. “Because Trow Hill (Playground) is on a hill, in order to get to another playground, a family has to drive. The families who are there now, walk to it, but there’s just not much there. A lot of kids will fuss to go, but within a few minutes are kind of bored and want to leave. The families then have to drive them someplace else.
“People in the neighborhood keep telling me how excited they are that it’s getting some attention.”
Along with a need for general help, Wang said they could use help from people in construction. The use of a bobcat or tractor with an auger attachment and a backhoe would greatly help. She asks for those willing to donate their time and/or equipment to contact her.
Wang anticipates at least 90 percent of the work on the playground will be done by the end of May.
If you’d like to help make that happen and put smiles on kids’ faces, RSVP on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/230757117271348/, or by contacting Wang directly at ewang@barretown.org or 477-1356.
