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Looking for A Way to Reconnect After Training
posted by Dmarshall08  on Dec 1 2008
Are you looking for ways to continue moving your project along after attending a webinars or WE Play! and starting the planning process? We invite you to join your fellow community builders in registering your project on....

Winter webinars announced!
posted by alynsen  on Dec 2 2008
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening, In the lane, snow is glisteningWe want to learn more,What's KaBOOM! got in store?Check out all their winter webinars! Gone away is ou....

30% off playground equipment
posted by jackthecat  on Dec 2 2008
I have zero idea how I got on this list, but I received an email from a playground equipment vendor offering 30% on equipment for the holidays. Here is their pitch: Season's Greetings, Planet Safety is offering holiday discounts and incentive....

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  Playspace Builder Support Network  Building Playspaces  Were you leadin...
 Were you leading a build or were you a volunteer?
 
imgOfflineKaBOOM Amy
232 posts
1st
Joined
11/8/2006



Were you leading a build or were you a volunteer?
Posted: 20 Mar 07 2:59 PM

If you were leading a build, what were your lessons learned? If you were a volunteer on a build, what did you see that other project leaders should know. What should other volunteers know?

What did you think of your experience. Will you do it again?

imgOfflinensaini
59 posts
4th
Joined
11/27/2006



Re: Were you leading a build or were you a volunteer?
Posted: 28 Mar 07 11:50 PM

I was a volunteer at Woodmere Elementary for U Play! It was my first build and I learned that they play great music at builds!!! :0) And serve good food...

I would do it again, so that I can do different tasks- I was a mulch master, helped with the potted plants, and helped with the stepping stones at this build.

I can remember that there were discrepancies on how much soil should be put in the potted plants and so if we knew to grab a team leader instead of guess, we wouldn't have had to fix a few planters. Nothing major...but a thought...

 

imgOfflinedereklewis
2 posts
Joined
2/20/2007



Re: Were you leading a build or were you a volunteer?
Posted: 12 Apr 07 12:16 PM
A few things i've learned as a build leader, our park location is 3400 Chalmette Rd Chalmette, LA:

1. Comparing our playground build day to a KaBoom!'s UPlay build was a source of a lot of stress. If you're inexperienced leading don't fret. This is your community build, there's no script or way it should be. Be flexible and learn from it.

2. Always have a back-up plan. Especially for building materials you may think are being donated. We were expecting an auger and concrete from a friend on the build but personal things came up and was able to deliver. We rented a truck from Home Depot and ended up moving 5 tons of concrete on the prep day. Nothing is certain until it is in hand.

3. 2 days for prep is better than one

4. The more available vehicles for transporting materials the better. it was hard with only a pick-up and a 20' trailer. Less room for error.

5. Though leading a community build is possible to do in a 7 week time frame I don't suggest it for anyone who can't do it full time.

6. If you organize build teams don't let someone else reorganize them into groups if they don't know what they're doing... *grumble grumble*

7. Wear sunscreen.

8. Concrete cures underwater.

If you're interested in how to go start to finish in 7 weeks and to plan everything 500 miles away from the build site email me. I'll be more than happy to share this unique experience lewis.derek@gmail.com
imgOfflinensaini
59 posts
4th
Joined
11/27/2006



Re: Were you leading a build or were you a volunteer?
Posted: 15 Apr 07 10:37 PM Modified By nsaini  on 4/15/2007 10:38:25 PM)
Wow! How do you think you would avoid #6 in the future? Seems like it could be tricky... How many weeks will you allot next time from start to finish? Would you plan something 500 miles away again? (tis impressive!) Cheers, nicole
imgOfflinegmontefusco
4 posts
Joined
11/8/2006



Re: Were you leading a build or were you a volunteer?
Posted: 10 May 07 5:13 PM

Congratulations on building this playground. You sound like you really have it together.

Now that the build is done, visit our Playspace Finder and enter your playground - be sure to add some photos too! If anyone has completed a build recently or just knows of a playspace, add it to the Playspace Finder. You can also rate playspaces that are already entered. It's a great way to spread the word so kids and families can always find a great place to play.

Cheers, Gina

imgOfflinecgavin
13 posts
www.ymcaofdodgecounty.org
Joined
4/27/2007

Re: Were you leading a build or were you a volunteer?
Posted: 18 May 07 9:27 AM

About how many volunteers did you have for the day?  Did you feel like there was enough help or maybe even too much?  Thank you!

imgOfflineThaddeus
24 posts
5th
Joined
11/8/2006



Re: Were you leading a build or were you a volunteer?
Posted: 12 Jun 07 1:25 PM

I helped on a build about a month ago.  This was my 4th on, three as volunteer and one as a leader.  Each time there was more than enough help.  I'd almost say almost too much help, but I really believe the more the better and people who don't know how much of a contribution they could make, often surprise themselves and jum right in.  The community build appears to over stock the day with help, but that is needed.  It is amazing how different people peak and contribute on their own pace.  Having reserves is a great blessing.

When you start - there is just holes in the ground and a mound of dirt or mulch, you think "what are we in for?"  Once the build starts, you see the progression, as people complete different sections and join in on what still needs more hands.

Each time we built, there were from 150 to 300 or more people.  Most everyone worked from 8:30-2:30, with the hard core 25 or so volunteers and team leaders touching up and completing tasks through 3:30 or beyond.

 

       

 

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