Mission...Playpark in SoWal!! - Page 3

supermom26.2 · 01-29-2007, 06:34 AM

What day and time did we decide?
In the Sun, it says the County is purchasing the additional land at Helen McCall park. We can talk about maybe being in on the planning of that space. SGB wrote me a great letter on her feelings of how to approach, I will print off and bring copies. Is that ok SGB?

SGB · 01-29-2007, 10:17 AM

Hummm. I suppose so, I guess I should have paid more attention to what I was writing!

organicmama · 01-29-2007, 01:53 PM

My vote is for Thursday, too. We can just go next door if there is a problem. Ann at Cerulean's is supportive of what we are doing and so it shouldn't be an issue. I talked to her about our plans Friday night. So, either way, we have a place to sit... that's all I need, even if it's the floor!

Beachmom · 01-29-2007, 03:21 PM

It seems like most people can make Thur. @ 12:00 better, so let's meet then-like you said- if it's too crazy, we can go next door. Who's in??

supermom26.2 · 01-29-2007, 04:07 PM

Thursday at 12. I won't call the Parks and Rec till after we meet on Thursday. SGB has some very good points that need to be discussed before we show up en masse!

organicmama · 01-29-2007, 04:38 PM

I just talked with another one of the managers at the Market. She said that Cerulean's is where everyone usually has meetings, BUT she said if we feel comfortable coming to the Market and having it there, it's fine. Because it's the least busy time of the year, it's not a problem right now.

So, now after talking with 3 different managers, if no one knows about us being there on Thursday, I am going to fall on the floor laughing. If I do, someone grab the baby, PLEASE!!!!!!

InletBchDweller · 01-29-2007, 06:27 PM

I can come Thursday......lets get a park rollin!!!!!

Beachmom · 01-29-2007, 10:24 PM

Grayt job OM- They may not remember us before the meeting....but they will after

!! See y'all there

Ocean Lover · 01-30-2007, 08:03 AM

You go gulls!!!!

ckhagen · 01-30-2007, 12:30 PM

I had requested a lot of materials from several companies, operating in Florida, for playground equipment, surfacing, and acessory items.
One of the companies is much more attentive than all the rest. The rep from that company suggested that the Kaboom method of organizing the funding has been very beneficial to a lot of groups like this. She's worked with them a lot and claims it's a great process and that we should seriously look into applying. Of course, we must aquire the land by our own means, but after that they are supposedly pretty helpful and the one day build-out events work out really well, so says the rep.

Beachmom · 01-31-2007, 08:36 PM

BuMp....
Don't forget the meeting tomorrow at 12:00!!
Put your lipstick on ladies, we may have a little press

!

jdarg · 01-31-2007, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beachmom

BuMp....
Don't forget the meeting tomorrow at 12:00!!
Put your lipstick on ladies, we may have a little press

!

I am 50/50- will call one of y'all tomorrow when the schedule gels a bit....

jdarg · 02-01-2007, 06:42 PM

OK you hottie playground chickies---

How did the meeting go today? Will somebody please post or send me a message in between feeding offspring and other domestic duties!!!!

organicmama · 02-01-2007, 08:09 PM

If I could keep my 6 month old from typing, I could get a message completed!

It was... busy. Sunny456 told us it would be and it was REALLY crowded. BUT it was other moms!!!! And as Ckhagen said, "with more baby carriers than I've ever seen!" It showed us that there are a lot of us out there that need community and a place to go.

It made it difficult to focus. Too much noise fries my brain

... which is why 3 kids has me loopy most of the time... and why I couldn't concentrate very well in there.

(BTW, Cerulean's was DEAD when I passed by. We shoulda gone there for focus sake. Oops!)

SGB, ckhagen & supermom26.2 accomplished a lot over in the corner of our table!

I got to know Beachmom well.

We were interviewed by the Daily News.... Can you tell that the others can describe the details better than I can right now.

We also picked up some moms from the library story time that came over after that. They want FLYERS!!!! I also know there's parents at Butler that are interested and just want to know the details.

Another woman who's a grandmother with custody of her 2 grandkids had just called Cindy yesterday about a playground and she was interested in getting a petition up and going. I talked to her at length this evening. Very cool woman

. She wasn't at the meeting and doesn't do the e-mail thing, so we'll have to keep her up-to-date by phone.

Okay, baby boy's pissed off at me right now, so I've gotta end this one!

Beachmom · 02-01-2007, 09:42 PM

ok...2 down, 1 more to go

OMG...!!...I have NEVER seen so many mommies and babies!!!

I knew there were a lot of us here...somewhere, but had no idea there were so many!!

As OM said, it was absolutely crazy at Watercolor Market today. Very hard to carry on a conversation, but lots of people now know what we are trying to do

I think our next step is to try to meet with C. Meadows and see what we need to do.

This is a grayt group of moms and I have really enjoyed meeting everyone.

I'm just in shock right now over the crowd that was there

!!!

ckhagen · 02-02-2007, 12:49 AM

lol, I thought it started at 12:30... duh. That would be why I was late! I'm just now seeing the 12:00 thing. I need to start paying more attention.

Yeah, it was super-super crowded. I tried half a dozen times to start playgroups out here in the past couple years and it never worked. I'm convinced it must have been me because no one else seems to have that problem ;)

So... when we get that mailing list going, I think we'll have quite a crowd jumping on the wagon. In the meantime, a meeting with Ms. Meadows is necessary. After that maybe we'll have a little more direction. After we get some direction, then we can get some flyers put together (I'm a graphic designer B.C. and I can do that if we so choose).

Also... everyone needs to put together lists of the things they would most like to get out of this playground! That is number one priority for everyone right now. We can take all the lists and consolidate them later.

I nominate Morgan Sports Complex playground for the next meeting ;)

supermom26.2 · 02-02-2007, 06:04 AM

It was a little chaotic to say the least.
SGB is setting up appt with Cindy Meadows. We are trying to get before the parks and rec meeting. Everyone needs to do a top 10 list of what we want to be in the park so we know what size of land space will accomodate. Don't be shy. Maybe the field trips need to start right now to see what other playgrounds have in person and test them out!

I hope that Heather and her photographer were able to get pictures of the crowds of moms and babies and not just us! I really felt like we were at a baby convention! The growth of South Walton sure was evident at the Watercolor Market!

supermom26.2 · 02-02-2007, 10:29 PM

Heather, I know you are lurking - thank you for coming out and listening to our collective efforts on how to start a park! A lot of us are meeting each other for the first time. I'm sure by the time we have this park built, not only will we have a great place to go to, but there will be many friendships established by the seed of an idea as it grows into a community park!
Thanks again!

organicmama · 02-03-2007, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckhagen

Yeah, it was super-super crowded. I tried half a dozen times to start playgroups out here in the past couple years and it never worked. I'm convinced it must have been me because no one else seems to have that problem ;)

So... when we get that mailing list going, I think we'll have quite a crowd jumping on the wagon. In the meantime, a meeting with Ms. Meadows is necessary. After that maybe we'll have a little more direction. After we get some direction, then we can get some flyers put together (I'm a graphic designer B.C. and I can do that if we so choose).

Also... everyone needs to put together lists of the things they would most like to get out of this playground! That is number one priority for everyone right now. We can take all the lists and consolidate them later.

I nominate Morgan Sports Complex playground for the next meeting ;)

Yeah, but you also need a PLAYGROUND to have a playgroup, unless you have it at homes OR you end up in WaterColor Market, just like that group has done. It definitely demonstrated the need for a playground for all of us. The decibel level in that place was nutty. Can you imagine how it would be in a year or so with the exact same mommies with toddlers (instead of babies!) running around there? Chaos would reign.

JDarg, maybe we can have one of those drink carts that others were proposing on the original thread (about what we want in South Walton) at the park so we can have Happy Hour and playdates at the same time!

I'd need a coffee cart, too!

organicmama · 02-03-2007, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supermom26.2

Heather, I know you are lurking - thank you for coming out and listening to our collective efforts on how to start a park! A lot of us are meeting each other for the first time. I'm sure by the time we have this park built, not only will we have a great place to go to, but there will be many friendships established by the seed of an idea as it grows into a community park!
Thanks again!

Yes, I feel very blessed to have met each and every one of you. SoWal rocks as a great place to meet wonderful friends in Internet Land and then to be able to meet them in person and enjoy them just as much!

Camp Creek Kid · 02-03-2007, 09:45 AM

I haven't made it to either meeting yet, but I can't wait to meet you all. I have a 2yr. old and a 6 mos. old as well as 3 in school.

My sister-in-law was active in the development of a really cool playground on Signal Mtn., TN called the Pumpkin Patch. They had the children come up with the ideas and then worked with a playground designer to design it. The community members then built the structure over several weekends with a lot of donated materials, etc.

Have you guys already discusses this method? I believe this is what was done for the playground at Baytowne.

Beachmom · 02-03-2007, 10:40 AM

WOW! You are busy

We have discussed many ways to go, but I think we really need to know where the county stands on this and what plans they may have before we can get to that point. I do think it would be grayt if it could be something that brings the community together. There are so many of us that LIVE here, but we are all so spread out.

organicmama · 02-03-2007, 01:58 PM

Come anyway! I have a 3 year old and a 6 month old, so we can conmiserate!

I am bowing to you, as 3 keep me hopping right now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camp Creek Kid

I haven't made it to either meeting yet, but I can't wait to meet you all. I have a 2yr. old and a 6 mos. old as well as 3 in school.

My sister-in-law was active in the development of a really cool playground on Signal Mtn., TN called the Pumpkin Patch. They had the children come up with the ideas and then worked with a playground designer to design it. The community members then built the structure over several weekends with a lot of donated materials, etc.

Have you guys already discusses this method? I believe this is what was done for the playground at Baytowne.

Beachmom · 02-06-2007, 01:44 PM

We made the paper!!

Grayt article in the "Daily News" today about our efforts. It also says the they (THANKS Cindy Meadows!!!

)will be installing some temporary play equipment within the next 30 days

As I understand it, there is a plan in place with funds designated to a building and developing a recreational facility, it's just a matter of land. They are trying to buy more land by Helen McCall, but that is not a done deal. Otherwise, we need a St. Joe or someone else to donate some land...

SGB · 02-06-2007, 07:20 PM

That's great news! We have a meeting set up with Cindy Meadows on the 21st. That's the earliest she had available. If everyone could post what they would like to see in the park/playground, I will compile the list to give to Cindy.

Ocean Lover · 02-06-2007, 09:30 PM

Congrats Gulls!!! You're moving right along!

InletBchDweller · 02-12-2007, 08:25 AM

Is there a meeting tonight?????

ckhagen · 02-12-2007, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InletBchDweller

Is there a meeting tonight?????

I'm pretty sure we decided that it was more prudent to just meet with Cindy Meadows first and then decide from there what to do based on how this type of thing works it's way up, according to her.

jdarg · 02-12-2007, 09:08 AM

You gulls are da bomb. Is there any sort of gathering/meeting plan coming up?

Or maybe there is a family friendly something going on this weekend that we can bring kids, yak about the playground, and have a glass of wine---

if it is warm, maybe a beach afternoon at Grayton?

supermom26.2 · 02-12-2007, 09:49 AM

I have a family bible study to go to tonight. I can't make the meeting at the Parks & Rec. I don't think it would hurt if someone wants to go and be an observer and see what they are planning. It might give us a little more info before we meet with Cindy. What do you think?
I also like Jdarg's idea about a Grayton outing!

organicmama · 02-12-2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beachmom

As I understand it, there is a plan in place with funds designated to a building and developing a recreational facility, it's just a matter of land. They are trying to buy more land by Helen McCall, but that is not a done deal. Otherwise, we need a St. Joe or someone else to donate some land...

We have the meeting on the 21st and then this issue about having the funds already there, only needing land. I second the waiting for the meeting with Cindy and then going from there AND JDarg's idea about this weekend!

ckhagen · 02-12-2007, 12:10 PM

Well, I think, hopefully, Cindy Meadows will have info on the amount of funds available. I think from there we need to take a hard look at what we want, what the available funds are, and whether or not we think we'll need additional funds from the community to get what we want.

The land will obviously be a completely different issue.

Bdarg · 02-12-2007, 12:30 PM

Besides proposing to attach the park to an existing county facility, you may want to check with the county on available county land. The county owns property scattered around SoWal. If they do not have another purpose for it, they may allow it to be used as a park. That may help to get around the big dollars needed for the purchase of land.

The county owned land can be seen on their GIS map site.
at this link. You have to zoom in before it becomes visible.

http://maps.geocortex.net/imf-5.1.00...jsp/launch.jsp

organicmama · 02-12-2007, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckhagen

Well, I think, hopefully, Cindy Meadows will have info on the amount of funds available. I think from there we need to take a hard look at what we want, what the available funds are, and whether or not we think we'll need additional funds from the community to get what we want.

The land will obviously be a completely different issue.

This & BDarg's suggestion are key. I tried to multi-quote, but my brain and my computer are not functioning well together right now.

Who needs to be at the Cindy Meadows' meeting? What time is it? If you need to, PM me about it.

I have been swearing that I wouldn't spend my life on the computer

, so I am only on about every other day right now. If you don't hear from me immediately, that is why.

supermom26.2 · 02-20-2007, 01:36 PM

Ok, Ladies & Gentlemen: Time to write your top 10 list of things you would like to see in the park! A couple of us are meeting with Cindy tomorrow and would like to be able to present what we would like. Don't be bashful!
You can be specific and give details or you can just list the items, Basketball Court, climbing equipment etc.

supermom26.2 · 02-20-2007, 08:24 PM

Anyone care to share their park wants?

jdarg · 02-20-2007, 08:35 PM

I don't think we need a sandbox.

OK- I'll be serious.

Decent slides that don't send the kid shooting straight into the dirt.

Decent drainage- no puddles ANYWHERE.

Nice grassy areas.

Lots of shade structures with concrete underneath so it doesn't get too grubby. Picnic tables.

Potties. And potties big enough for an adult AND kid in one stall.

Water fountains.

Some sort of water feature, maybe separate, like the one in Seacrest.

Equipment for little kids and big kids.

I would like to see this playground close to the library- what a great fit!

OK- gotta rest.

WaterCourseWay · 02-21-2007, 12:35 AM

Ok, I've been lurking long enough, this is my first time to actually POST on these boards... I've been reading this thread, I saw the article in the Daily News, and I think it is really cool and exciting that you all are making this happen. I live in FWB, am planning on moving to SoWal as soon as I sell my condo here; no kids yet, but I am a future momma and I would love to see a great park in my soon-to-be new hometown (er, area? region? LOL)...

Anyway, there is some really neat stuff out there for playparks these days; I would love to see some interactive musical equipment... check out these links

http://www.soundplay.com/drums.html
(I think the gator and the sea turtle drums would both be cool, fits in the local fauna)

http://www.groundsforplay.com/music.html

soundplay.com also has a great resources links page with all kinds of info:
http://www.soundplay.com/resources.html

there is a company I found in those links that is based in florida, offers a discount to FL gov't purchases of their equipment, looks promising if we can get a gov't official to write a check:
http://piazzainc.com/index.htm

This article about the history of playgrounds from the NY Times is kinda interesting:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/14/we...ff2d19&ei=5070

OK enough links for now, I hope they are helpful and inspiring! I'm looking forward to seeing what takes shape, and would like to help out in any way I'm able...

Beachmom · 02-21-2007, 07:40 AM

WCW!! Grayt info, we had some of the music interactive playstations at the park where I used to live- the kids loved it.

Basketball courts
Swings for little kids, big kids and handicap kids
A good fence- little beach likes to try to escape

(or maybe it's to "explore")
Picnic tabes
Good kid friendly bathrooms- a must!!
Water fountains
places for the big kids to climb, seperate places for the little ones to climb

Camp Creek Kid · 02-21-2007, 09:34 AM

I'd be happy with anything!

Lots of grass (most of us don't have big yards)
Swings
Climbing wall
Lots of shade
A pavillion
Bathroom facilities
Basketball hoops
Sand volleyball court
Tetherball (Duh!)
Fence around playground

Place to skateboard

Beachmom · 02-21-2007, 09:49 AM

YES!! Skateboarding place would be wonderful!! My son would love you

ckhagen · 02-21-2007, 01:48 PM

I've been really busy lately, but... I really wanted to be involved in the meeting today. Probably too late now

I think we wrote down some of the stuff I said I wanted at the last meeting in the Market.

Fenced in with *one* entrance and exit.
Creative shading for the equipment and total shading for the seating/eating areas.
Equipment that is safe for children under 5. (Seperate units for 2-5 and 5-12 ranges)
It would also be nice to have a toddler (under 2 area like they have at the Destin park).
High visibility throughout the playground. Open design.
Tire swing (I loved those as a kid).
A water feature, not necessarily right away, but eventually.
I would like to avoid sand and use either Poured-In surfacing or something like Forever Lawn. I'm not a fan of loose fill (tire chunks, wood chips, sand, etc..) because it can hide things like broken glass.
Swings!
A safer version of a see-saw, like the one in the Playmore catalog.
Water fountains, low enough to little guys.
Good clean restrooms with a changing table and those little seats that hang on the wall to strap the toddlers in ;)

SGB · 02-21-2007, 03:37 PM

Thanks for all the great ideas! Keep them coming. We need to put a prioritized list together.

Three of us met with Cindy Meadows today and the meeting went grayt. She is extremely supportive and gave us a lot of hope that we could have something by the end of the year. We'll put together the notes and post them when we have more time. Got to go pick up the daughter from softball!

Ocean Lover · 02-21-2007, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGB

Thanks for all the great ideas! Keep them coming. We need to put a prioritized list together.

Three of us met with Cindy Meadows today and the meeting went grayt. She is extremely supportive and gave us a lot of hope that we could have something by the end of the year. We'll put together the notes and post them when we have more time. Got to go pick up the daughter from softball!

InletBchDweller · 02-21-2007, 03:51 PM

Yea, all these ideas sound great!!!!! I like all the suggestions!!!!! Let me know when I can do something!!!!

SGB · 02-23-2007, 09:47 AM

Full write up on the meeting still to come, but in the meantime, we need a name for our group. Suggestions?

Mission Playpark Moms
Mission Playpark Org
SoWal Playpark Org
Parents for Parks

All you creative types need to jump in here!

supermom26.2 · 02-23-2007, 10:06 AM

SWCPP South Walton Community Park Parents? with or without parents.
If we say moms, I don't want to exclude any potential help from any dads.
What if people want to help who don't have kids? Maybe SWCPP: South Walton Community Park People!

supermom26.2 · 02-23-2007, 10:33 AM

What about a theme for the park?

supermom26.2 · 02-23-2007, 11:01 AM

We just found a very cute climbing structure in the catalog Cindy gave us. Three slides form a foot! What if we had a foot prints theme through out the park, have foot prints instead of hand prints for potential donors if we need them, The poem Footprints in the Sand as a plaque somewhere, I think the boy scout creed says something about footprints regarding taking care of parks?

A lot of feet will walk through this park!

Somebody run with this please and start your creative juices flowing. This slide is adorable!

supermom26.2 · 02-23-2007, 06:59 PM

South Walton Community Funn Park!