Inspired...

pajessup writes:

Growing up in a town seven miles from downtown Atlanta, the playgrounds were becoming dingy and unkempt with parents unwilling to repair and taxpayers unwilling to allocate funds to do the job. This was 35 years ago. That little city still struggles and hasn't grown to match other inner city communities nearby. Now, I'm watching as Atlanta's grown-ups and kids rallied to win a grant recently to build a new playspace; our local parent network helped build one, and an adjacent neighborhood turned out to build theirs with business sponsors. I wonder if this will be reflected in the growth of these communities in 35 years. Somehow, I suspect it will be a strong community, not without struggles, but able to overcome, and ready to work hard and play harder.

What's your inspiration for getting involved in your community? Tell us here!

Looking for help...

deedee1963 wrote:

Our organization is trying to build new playspaces in our neighborhood.  The neighborhood is in an "affordable housing complex" where 194 families with over 200 children, call home  One of the obstacles we are having is trying to engage the outside town community to join with us.  We have been pedaling our ideas to townsfolk however, they do not seem interested in our plans and point out the fact that the town recently spent a lot of money to improve the local town park and want to know why they can't play there?  I explain that our neighborhood has over 200 children who need a place to play within walking distance and the town park is too far away.  Any ideas on how to engage others who do see that they have a "benefit to gain" from the build?

See what the responses were here.

Make a difference...

Fearing potential predators on the playground: This conversation pops up every few months. Can you help bklynaries come up with ways to address her concern?

Hello Everyone,

I am a mother of a 9 year old who is about to be 10 in a few months. Even as he gets older I am scared myself of letting him go anywhere by himself. I think he will probably be a teenager when I feel comfortable with letting him go by himself. The fact of the matter is, there are predators everywhere. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Offer your support and suggestions here.

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