Ok guys, we started this in the "What would you like to see" thread, that one big thing we really need is a place for our kids to run and play on a public playground that is actually in SoWal. I've heard lots of you are interested in making this happen, so now what?

Who is in on this?? Ideas on how to make it happen??? What can we learn from the Bark Park and how that came to be???

Well, I'm reading up on community fundraising for playgrounds right now to see how others have started.

This site is worth taking a look at.
www.kaboom.org
It's an organization partnered with Home Depot helping communities plan and built volunteer-built playspaces.
Check out the FAQ.

I'm in and about to read the info from Home Depot.

...watch out sowal. You are getting ready to get a new playground!!!

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The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

I think we need a lunch meeting.

Yeah that.

Hm... ya'll need one of those little "yeah that" smilies!

I'm up for it. We found out my grandfather died last night though, so umm... I have to drive to New Orleans tomorrow or sometime this weekend and I don't know when the funeral is yet. So... when I get back from that would be great! End of next week or beginning of the following?

Candice
(I should get a signature, huh?)

Very sorry about your grandfather. The end of next week would be grayt. I'll be gone until Tues. also., so after that......

Good luck gulls!

I found a link to the Parks and Recreation Department for Walton County.


The Walton County Parks and Recreation Department strives to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Walton County. Citizen’s needs are met through the implementation and maintenance of health-promoting programs and activities. Broadly, the department’s programs are intended to increase physical activity in an environment that promotes integrity and strong overall character. Parks and Recreation also maintains various public facilities that are designed to encourage healthy lifestyles and provide recreational outlets for every Walton County family. A full-color directory of these recreation facilities is available to all citizens. Click here to open the guide if you have high-speed internet access. If you have a dial-up modem, click here for a faster version.

Brad Alford
Parks and Recreation Manager
Phone: (850) 892-8703
Fax: (850) 892-8719
alfbrad@co.walton.fl.us

Maybe this is a good place to start? I didn't see any good playgrounds in the pdf file IMO. The only one I saw was in Defuniak Springs. I also read that some parks are maintained by the TDC.

In my area, they just replaced one of the public park playgrounds with new equipment, and it's awesome. You see the parents interacting more with the children. I will take some pictures of it if you like. I am there frequently with my nephews even though they have a jungle gym in the yard, this park is way too much funn and they meet other kids to play with. My neighbor is in charge of our counties recreation department, so I can ask him where they got the equipment. I had never seen anything like it in any public park.

Another idea if you get anywhere with this department is it seems quite a few Banks offer grants for the local schools, but they might offer funds for a public playground. Just an idea.

We don't have children, but when my family comes down and or my guests/renters, it would be nice to have a park available for them.
(and me ) and of course our SoWal children.

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i used to be president of our local civitan's...we used to raise money and donate it to the schools for playground eqpt. check with some of your local organizations....kiawanas, civitans, lions club...etc...

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"Save the tata's!!!"

When you open up the link, you see very clearly the only park in South Walton is Helen MCCall. When I called the rec dept. this morning, I asked what is being done at Helen MCCall, if they were adding equipment since it is under going renovation. They said no, it was just for ball fields. The next Parks and Rec. meeting is Feb 12th, in Defuniak at the Wee Care Park
at 6:00 pm. This is where park issues get addressed. I also left my name to speak with Brad, who was out of the office. I think we need to have a coffee meeting first and discuss what we would like to see in the park. Maybe pictures or a fieldtrip is required. What do you think? My office mgr.
suggested to go see the park in Destin, next to the City Hall.

I like coffee, talking, parks, playgrounds, field trips and happy children, so I am in!

I don't know, I just get the feeling that we're not going to get an ounce of help from the county. It sounds to me like they're less than intrested in funding a playground down here.

I'm beginning to think that going the fundraising route (corporate and private donations) would probably go a lot faster and have a much larger, more elaborate outcome than what we could try and milk out of the county. As far as property though, we almost have to rely on the county for that. Does anyone know if there's room on the parcel that Helen McCall is on? It seems to be getting tight in there with parking and all.

I definitely second a visit to the Morgan Sport Complex park. It is by far my favorite. Of course the Niceville park is very nice, but there are some specific safety concerns I have with it that are addressed at the Destin park. I've been to both at least a dozen times each.

Oh, and I have a handful of catalogs from Florida equipment companies coming. Hopefully I'll have them in hand before we meet to we can take a look at them.

I really think making this a community effort, as far as funds goes, would work out well. Not to mention the pride involved. Of course, we would need a 501c3 set up for that, but I'm looking into an option I might have for someone who already has one to sponsor it if necessary, since the set up of that would take a while.

Might also take a look to see what was done at Wee Care, and if that is what is wanted down here.

I think the county has "extra" land at Helen McCall. It's been two years since FuzzJr played for SWLL, but I seem to remember there is ten more acres. I do know it gets sloppy when it rains.

Also, remember that Wee Care came about by a donation from Doodle Harris. I think his name is on a plaque up there.

I would guess that the primary reason there isn't a public playground in South Walton is that nobody has asked for one yet. If we have a park for dogs, surely a park for little ones isn't out of the question. Donations work well too. Good luck!

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IMO, this could be addressed both ways with the County especially the TDC since having a nice public playground in tune with the area would assist in the the image Walton County wants to convey to visitors and to how they are providing other elements of activities via the Parks Dept to residents.
In dealing with these agencies, a business approach could be taken with a proposal including
1) a petition from residents and all owners (second home and investment)
2) Exhibiting the type of park you want with a costs analysis.
3) Including safety features of proposed equipment and location

Then once armed with that, if local businesses are willing to contribute (and there names posted as contributors would help) and the funds are sufficient for the playground, then perhaps other locations of County owned land could also be analyzed for potential use as a Park.

The other issue I could see being addressed would be maintenence, who would clean trash receptacles,? county, volunteer committee?

A proposal in writing would go a long way in making a case.

Let me know if I can be of assistance.

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Excellent ideas SN. I missed your post while I was typing my blog, but putting contributors names is definitely a strong selling point.

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Oh, absolutely. All of the community funded parks that I know of have done that. Usually with plaques and recognizing smaller donations with the "buy a brick" type program.

Someone on another forum had mentioned that they held a night where several of the local restaurants offered 15% of sales for that one night. They got the word out, had tons of people show up and managed to bring in $20,000... on a Tuesday night!

I was reading that the insurance covering the playground would end up being the responsibility of the land owner. There is apparently some sort of rider or additional policy that can be purchased.

If the county sees that there is support, particularly if there are $$$ behind it, I don't see how they could turn it down altogether. It might be deferred until it is properly budgeted for, but it might not be. You never know.

Unfortunately, I don't think the TDC could fund it unless it was part of a beach walkover. Seriously. The restrictions on the use of bed tax money are pretty tight.

Back to how Wee Care came to pass...perhaps there are other developers needing to make a chunk-of-change contribution to something in order to get a tax write-off? 'Tis the season...

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Park update:
Cindy Meadow's Aide, Victoria said Cessna Landing on 393 is scheduled to have playground equipment as soon as a septic tank is removed.
The County is trying to buy additional land to have a multi-use park at Helen McCall. I asked can anything be done to help this along, she said they are looking at various ways to fund this.
She also said the County has land at the Government Education Center.

Hey! I am a bit late in posting to this, but wanted to chime in!

Public playgrounds is the ONLY thing that our family misses from Metro ATL... everything else, we happily left behind! I am at the point of simply heading down to Butler today to let them play on the equipment there, even though 5 year old River is freaking out about not having permission! CKHagen and I had talked about this subject on the MDC message boards.

PLEASE count us in on the plans, as having 3 kiddos who need to run off energy, although 1 is still not mobile, yet. I have not found the Morgan Sports Complex Park, although I have not looked very much. We have gone to the play area at Destin Commons (definitely not a playground!) and 1 over by the Red Lobster in FWB, which we are not going back there. Zoe fell in the creek, under a retraining wall, among other things.

I'd be happy to join the meetings and get involved with the plans for a playground. We can help with a number of areas of involvement, including planning & fundraising. If someone wants to PM me about it, please feel free to do so.

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

Organicmama, Have you been to Webb Bridge Park? I think it is in Alpharetta I visited there and absolutely loved that park! Not having been to the Destin Park, I don't know how this compares. I believe Coca Cola was the main sponsor of the park, but it has been awhile since I have been. It was fabulous - running trails, incredible playground equipment, a sundial you used your body for, musical pipes, and a waterway that was the most interesting design (where all the younger kids were hanging out). I saw that they also had family sponsors, pre-schools, businesses but I don't think they were bricks. I remember thinking that it was a great idea.
I'm not sure what our plan of attack should be -other than we should all go to the Park meeting on Feb 12. Should we start with a signed petition of people who would like a park, what they would like to have there and if they would be willing to be a sponsor and have that filled out before the meeting? We should try to set up a meeting for next week when everyone
who has posted can come. I'll just say I can't do Mon, Tues or Fri before 1:00 but Thurs is good until 2:00 Any afternoon works after school, I'll just have kids with me!
As far as existing land goes, I'm not sure what the land the Cindy's Ass't referred to as the Goverment Education Center. Does anyone know what this is?

Hi Supermom26.2! The Government Education Center is the area around the County Courthouse Annex, Library, SW High School. Hey, I saw you on our SGB street today!

Thanks. I thought it was over there, I just have never heard it referred to as the Government Education Center. I think that area would be great for a park. My only concern about Helen McCall is that a traffic light needs to be at the intersection of Moll and 98. You take your life in your hands at 5:00 pm making a left turn. With increased traffic, it would be crazy!
Are you up for starting a park?

I didn't see you today but saw your hubby! We were driving around looking at houses! The usual!

I am in on trying to organize a play park. Please let me know when a meeting is scheduled....I also know of some developers who may want to donate but I will not ask them until it is needed....

We actually moved from Alpharetta here! Yes, I went to Webb Bridge Park many times. They used the wood on the fences as sponsorship. Coca-Cola was a big sponsor. Wills Park (built like a castle) used major sponsors, like Cousins Properties (developed most of Alpharetta and was the designer of the old Omni) and UPS. I REALLY didn't like Alpharetta (WAY TOO CROWDED), but loved the availability of really cool parks ... although in that area, driving 10 miles could take you an hour because of traffic.

The one thing my three year old always asks for is to go to a PARK! She's pretty upset that there aren't any here. I am completely on board for getting this done, if only just for her sake!

A resource about how to get stoplights up on 98 and Moll would be Ed at For the Health of It. From what I know, he was instrumental in getting stoplights up on 98 after a fatal accident a few years ago. I can find out if I need to.

I am up for a meeting, but I always have at least 2 kids with me, 3 if after school!

Also, what about some sort of benefit to help raise the $$$$$? If we could have it there at the park, it might bring more people. I can possibly donate an acoustic duo, but I'd have to know it was a go before I do.

AND what about getting local businesses and restaurants to donate like 3% of their profits for a designated day of the month for a specific amount of time to raise funds? I was thinking like Whole Foods or Earth Fare does for donating to charities. They do it on Tuesdays (Earth Fare) or Wednesdays (Whole Foods), but I would say a Friday or Saturday here because of the off-season and restaurants get more biz on the weekends right now.

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

Some residents were dissappointed in the number of play parks in our area - near Atlanta. They got together and we ended up with a great park. Check out the website www.eastcobbpark.org It started with a grass roots efforts similar to the one you guys are organizing. And is now our FAVORITE park!! It might be helpful to contact the organizers (from the website) and pick their brains.

Here is a summary of their story:

In 1998, a group of individuals associated with the East Cobb Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce joined together to form the non-profit Friends for the East Cobb Park. Their unifying vision was to create a passive Park that would serve as a community gathering place. Their goal was to raise funds sufficient to purchase an appropriate property and deed it to Cobb County who would develop and maintain the Park.

Almost from the beginning, the Friends enjoyed the support of Cobb County Government. The County’s public acknowledgment of the Friends’ mission added credibility to the effort and their challenge and commitment to support the project allowed the formation of a powerful Public-Private Partnership.

Working as a team, Cobb County and Friends for the East Cobb Park funded the professional design of the park, which includes open grass fields, walking trails, stream overlooks, a “destination” playground, picnic pavilions, an outdoor classroom and one of the nicest outdoor stage areas in the region.

Construction of this initial phase began in 2002, and the official Dedication Ceremony was held on June 28, 2003. The East Cobb Park was an immediate success in the community, and has surpassed both Cobb County’s and the Friends’ greatest expectations for attendance and public satisfaction.

East Cobb Park wasn't far from us, either! It's a really great park, too!

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

You guys are amazing ! Grayt job on all the research, now I just need to catch up....lunch anyone??? Wouldn't an afternoon picnic at a playpark be grayt?????

I'm back from N.O.
Saturday night at the Hilton was pretty wild, but I was lucky to get a room at all on that late of notice.

Wow... it's cold outside. When should we meet? Is there a warmer day coming any time soon? My face feels frozen solid. Being born and raised in LA/FL makes me think anything less than 70 degrees warrants a coat and long johns.

Does Thursday for coffee or lunch work? The TDC called me today, gave me a little more info on the maintaining of the parks. I also talked to Grayton State park and tonight someone told me the land directly in front of the State park is County land. I'm not sure how much, but will look at it tomorrow. I'm freezing too! My Michigan blood thinned out fairly quickly down here.

I couldn't agree more, but please call them y'all! Don't want to see no Yankee playground over there!

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The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

I can meet thursday after 12:30......

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Thursday's good. We're gonna be at the library from 10:30-11:30, but we have free until 2:00, when we have to pick up River from school. Coffee or lunch would be good, in a kid-friendly place.

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

Thrusday as in tomorrow... right? I can do that I think.

I got the sales materials from an awesome company. Really great structures and surfacing. And, I found out they also did the design/sales for the Destin park. From what I can tell, they may have also done some sales to the Niceville park.

All right gang- name a place and time.

What about Miss Lucille's or Cerulean's around noon or 12:30?

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

Ceruleans works at either time. I'm flexible.

Oops... I just saw the after 12:30 post, what time is best for you, InletBeachDweller?

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

12:30 where ever is good for me. I will just have to leave my other meeting early if it runs long.....

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That is too funny- this SOUTH GA. girl talking yankee?!?!?

I'm in for tomorrow, but how "kid friendly" is Cerulean's??? or am I the only one that will have a "terrible two" year old??

Watercolor is supposed to be kid friendly! I think it is fine.

If anyone gives you trouble, tell them Miss Kitty says STFU!

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The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

Yes, you know the lady with the f*** balcony.

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I know I don't get there often enough, but God knows I surely try, It's a magic kind of medicine that no doctor could prescribe!

Ceruleans is fine. I've taken my 3 kids there on a Saturday night for the 30A Revue and I've seen a bunch of other kids there when Dread Clampitt was there right before New Years. There's that little sandwich shop/market right next to it if it gets too much for them.

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

Alright- see y'all there! I call one of the zebra chairs!!!

ok so 12:30, at Ceruleans.....correct???

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lil' beach is not a "terrible two"! she is a "delightful two" year old! just give her some sugar...she'll do fine! it just makes her "wiggle!"

did ya'll ever talk to any of the civic groups about donations?

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"Save the tata's!!!"

Yep, 12:30 at Cerulean's. See y'all there!

Forget the sugar... My 3 year old would sit and drink coffee with all of us, if I'd let her. Just adds to her super-charged personality. That's what you get when you name your child Zoe: life, alive.

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

I have some contacts but I am going to wait and see what comes about after this meeting tommorow.....not sure about anyone else....

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I can't wait to meet everyone. I know there will be a lot of great ideas!

I'll be there. Not sure if I'll bring the 2.5 y/o though, he might stay with DH since he's off tomorrow. He's not terrible, but he is two. My 6mo old is always with me though... half an hour without a boob and he goes nuts.

Kate will be at school, but I will be watching your kids since it is habit.

...such a guy!!!

This is one group of powerful women and I can see great things in the future of sowal. Keep us posted!!!

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The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

Sounds like a bunch of us have 2-yr-olds. A play group is definitely in order . . . just wish we had a playground.

Unfortunately, my 2nd grader is home today with bronchitis so I won't be able to make the meeting. I was looking forward to meeting everyone, but I'm sure there will be more meetings and one day we WILL have a playground.

Good luck y'all!

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If you are lucky enough to live by the sea, you are lucky enough.

Great playground meeting! I think there were 9 gals, 2 beautiful little girls (Zoe and Lucy), and 3 of the cutest babies ever. It was fun putting some names to faces. I think the next step is the Parks and Rec department meeting on February 12. It really is amazing that there is not a really nice community playground in SoWal- but that can change!

It was really fun meeting everyone! I look forward to working with all of you, getting a playground here. What a great thing to be a part of.

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

I also enjoyed meeting everyone, Lets get that playground rolling!!!!

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Ditto! Sorry, if I didn't get to talk to everyone, because I really am excited about OUR SoWal Park. Everyone had great ideas, regardless of the location we get, I know it will be a special place for all! Camp Creek Kid, block off Feb. 12 at 6pm!

I'm so happy that so many of us showed up for the meeting

I've talked to a few other moms about the plan and I'm asking them to also show up for the Parks and Rec Board meeting. Um, perhaps a mailing list would be helpful? Especially for involving the parents that don't happen to be posters.

I totally agree because I spoke to some moms at Butler yesterday and they were very interested and wanted to know more about it. Another meeting to gain interest would probably be a good idea.

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

Hey!

It was so fun meeting everyone!

I'm putting a post/blurb in the Seaside Times.

Oh - can "supermom" pm me w/your email address so I can send you that photo?

I look forward to seeing everyone at the meeting. Please let me know if I may be of any help w/anything.

Thanks!

Bumping our post back up.

Any one up for a second meeting so we can inform non-SoWal people about the upcoming parks & rec meeting? Do we want to make up a flyer/handbills for the schools, etc. about it? If someone can pm me the info, I can make them up, if that's what we would like to do.

Hope all is well with everyone!

Also, I pledge 100% of my business profits beginning February 1st... more on how people can help with that later, but wanted to go ahead and pledge it.

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

a second meeting would be great. I have told other moms and dads and they are thrilled and behind us!!!!

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Great ideas- again- y'all come up with the date. Make a decree. I will be there!

Does Monday or Thursday next week anytime before pickup work? I have floor time and 2 meetings on the other days. I am good morning or lunch time.
Thanks!

Late morning or lunch is great both days!

I have to ask- what is "floor time"?

Floor time is required office time to hopefully get new business!

Either day is good for me, I'll be there. If more people will be there, where should we go??

OrganicMama- what kind of business do you have?? That's very generous!

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"where did all this mop water come from?" (mom)
"the potty" (little beach with toy mop in hand...!)

i believe that both days are good for me also. let me know and i will pass this info on to other parents......

JDarg, you have never done floor??? or taken someone's floor????? aw now i had to kid ya....trust me, these days it is nothing exciting.... LOL!!!!

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jdarg just saw floor...jdarg is all about new floors.

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The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

Either Monday or Thursday is fine with me. Count me in on that one!

I'll let you guys know "what I do" soon.... Sorry to keep y'all in the dark, but I am working on a few things right now.

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

I'm 99% sure either day is fine for me. Lol, I think I need to actually *use* all these calendars I have.

I might have to bring my 2 y/o this time though, so... can we meet somewhere that's pretty kid-safe. He's prone to breaking things. I was astonished at how not-rambunctious the girls were last week. My poor son is incapable of staying in one spot.

I already know. Neener Neener ;)
Well, I guess I do if it's the same thing that you used to do

Yep, it's the same thing, but now I love the fact that I can just help with this (and then other things later) with the income. (I'm taking a class beginning this weekend on becoming a child meditation facilitator, which will be "my" money. )

Idea: Since we all tended to head to WaterColor Market from Ceruleans (because we're hungry mamas!) ... AND they have those big A$$ picnic tables in there to spread out, why don't we try there? I saw another meeting in there before ours. There's more space for the kids, etc. I just talked to one of the managers and they said they'd love to have us there. They'd even move a couple of the picnic tables togethers and out of the way for us to have some privacy. I even warned them about the kids!

If we can nail down a date and we can get others there.

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

Very good idea...ok, next Thur. at 12:00-Does that work for everyone???

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"where did all this mop water come from?" (mom)
"the potty" (little beach with toy mop in hand...!)

so happy to see you mamas coming together to make a difference for the children of sowal! sowal is growing with so many families and children and I hope to see many children-oriented programs and activities coming our way, including Boys and Girls Club, and more play areas as you are discussing in this thread.

In the meantime, I wanted to recommend some of our favorite places to play in or near sowal, for any new families in the area:

Eden State Park (several friends with toddlers meet here once a week - the most gorgeous place to play on earth).

Grayton Beach (our personal favorite playground for children and adults!)

Frank Brown Park (back beach road/Panama City)

Deer Lake State Park

Seaside Amphitheater - kids run, play soccer, and roll in the grass (playdates after school)

Watercolor nature trails, parks and playground

Baytowne Wharf - has an outstanding playground with all the swings and climbing things you can imagine.

and many more naturally beautiful places along the beaches, bay and in between!

Good luck, thank you, and keep us posted!

12:00pm on Thursday at Watercolor Market? Is that okay for all? If so, I will call them ASAP and let them know.

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

Yes-looking forward to it!

I think it's good for me too!

I should hear something in a few hours about Watercolor Market. The manager the other night made it sound easy, but now they have to run it by someone else. I let them know it was informal, so hopefully, all will be cool.

Between now and Thursday, I am going to find out what I can about the parks in Alpharetta, GA and how they got the sponsorships, etc. I know very little about the workings of things down here, so I am not such a good resource on that, which is why I am helping out in the way that I can the best.

Also, once it's a true go on the Market, would we want to advertise to the Panhandle Moms Group on meetup.com? There's a number of them from SRB, so we could let them know about it also.

Hope all is well with everyone!

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

You gulls make us sowallers so proud..which one of you is going to be our next prez??? You got my vote..go gulls!! When you get closer to your goal and are ready to sign up volunteers to do actual work I know of several builders, carpenters that would donate their time.

Grayt job OM!! Did anyone find out if we need to get on the meeting agenda on the 12th??

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"where did all this mop water come from?" (mom)
"the potty" (little beach with toy mop in hand...!)

I was wondering about that as well.
Oh my, oh my... you all should just see my schedule for next week. Craaazy. But, I'm definitely making this a huge priority and I will be there!

You're a momma... a very creative, responsible one to boot!

Craaazy is your middle name. Mine is "coffee" actually. I ran out today and I can tell my adrenals are not liking me right now. Yeah, I know I'm not supposed to as a BFing momma, but I do. This is how my head feels right now.... Yeah, it's that baaaaaad. Actually, I had 16 more, but I was given the SoWal limit.

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

Okay, so I've screwed myself! I posted and then changed my siggy, thinking I could post later, after a night on the town!

My business: I sell organic & certified organic skin, body, cosmetic, etc. products. I have used them for a year and have been trying to figure out a way to promote a great product line to the area. I am totally not interested in money in regards to the products, which is why I am happy to give it away if people use the products. The "biz" aspect of it ain't my thing, so don't worry about being sold on anything. These are simply the only products I know that are so absolutely clean and synthetic chemical free.

So, there it is. Now, once I get my degrees in aromatherapy & herbalism and I'm making my own products, it'll be different!

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

I will call on Monday about getting on the agenda.
Thanks for the reminder! Sorry, I have been busy too!

Do you ever go to bed thinking..."I was busy as h*LL all day, but what did I get done?"

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"where did all this mop water come from?" (mom)
"the potty" (little beach with toy mop in hand...!)

OT

Ok... now now, don't down yourself for the coffee. The caffeine molecule is actually quite large and does not easily pass into breastmilk. Up to three 8oz caffenated drinks per day are acceptable. As long as you're not downing a pot and baby doesn't exhibit sensitivity, you're fine!

Yep, every single day! It's crazy... I get interrupted every 5 minutes. I spent 2 hours on the phone this morning on a conference call with the State Midwifery Council (board meeting) doing my part to get some red tape eliminated. Thank God my DH works nights.

Yep. Feeling like that right now. My eyes are crossing from being so d*** tired. Luckily, I do have a husband that does everything he possibly can to help... except those things that are physiologically impossible. I am blessed in that aspect!

If we want a benefit concert (down the road) for this, we have a venue that has been donated tonight.

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

And now, we have the mamas who have their kids asleep, up and taking a breather from the hustle & bustle!

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

Hey Organic,

I'm still BFing too - my doc said as long as I waiting about 1.5 hours before nursing, I wouldn't have to worry about passing the caffeine along. So drink up!
(I hope that wasn't WAY too much info for the board! HA)

A note on Thursday - Thursday could be really crazy. There is a group of moms who are planning on meeting there for lunch. About 15+ from what I understand - join us!

I guess the manager forgot? But yeah, it is scheduled for Feb. 1.
I'll double-check just in case I got my locale wrong.

Oh! I met a fascinating child advocacy lawyer today who gave me tons of info on what to look for in safe play equipment, etc. I'll bring that w/me.

Maybe we could reschedule to Friday?

Thanks!

I had 20 people here last night for a Girl's Camp Presentation from Keystone Camp, in Brevard, North Carolina. Mostly moms and daughters, but siblings were here too. It was a FUNN time! We had girls from 6 to 12, but the camp goes from 1st grade to 9th grade. My daughter went last year and liked it soo much, she's going back this year. If anyone wants information about the camp, I have packages with a cd on the camp. Sorry to hijack!I can't do Friday, but if that's the best day for everyone else, just let me know what was discussed!

Would Tues. be better for everyone

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"where did all this mop water come from?" (mom)
"the potty" (little beach with toy mop in hand...!)

Whatever works for everyone else. Tuesday would be grayt if everyone's good with that one.

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You need not think alike to love alike.
Francis David

I admire so much the work you all are doing, and wish I was there to join in! Maybe, we will get to relocate soon. Thought I would share what I learned in raising funds for my school this year. We were a new school and needed playground equipment and mulch---Sams club (not sure if there is one in Panama city or not) matched our fundraising efforts through a grant. There are many grant programs that you could surely qualify for. Local business were great in donating as well. Good luck---I will be following your efforts and probably enjoying the fruits of your labor some day---please know it is appreciated even by us part-time sowallers---

It doesn't matter to me which day. My schedule is busiest at the end of the week and I still don't know dh's work schedule (damn slow season).

You know, I was thinking ... it doesn't matter if there are a bunch of people there that day. It will probably be a good thing b/c all of those moms would probably support a playground.

So if that day works for everyone - I say go for it. It's too hard to reschedule at the last minute.

That's my two cents!

Sorry if I threw a wrench in the works w/my earlier post.

whenever, just let me know....

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