Momentum for the final build-out of the new playground at Joe Rowell Park is gaining speed.
A kickoff meeting for construction and fundraising plans will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Dolores Community Center.
The contractor, Play by Design, will give a presentation of the playground’s final design, with community feedback. Parents, children and all interested residents are invited. Snacks will be provided.
Construction is planned for June and will be a “community build” over six days with volunteers working with the contractor.
More than 100 volunteers are needed, said Kalin Grigg, Dolores Parks Committee member. Locations where volunteers can sign up will be announced soon.
The town has committed to a full playground on the previous 9,500-square-foot site. The total estimated cost is $280,000.
The playground has two components:
The town was awarded a KaBoom! grant for $80,000 worth of equipment for toddlers and children 2-5 years old. That will be installed in a 2,500-square-foot area.Play by Design was chosen to install the equipment for ages 5-12 on 7,000 square feet. Both companies are integrating their plans into a cohesive design, Grigg said.The town has budgeted $91,000 and has applied for a $173,000 Great Outdoors Colorado grant for the project. Notification will be in March.
Community fundraising for $50,000 is ongoing by the Dolores Playground Group, and at least $16,000 has been raised.
The Don Lightenburger estate donated $10,000. A donation website has been set up at www.coloradogives.org/DoloresPlaygroundGroup.
Midwinter and spring fundraising events also are being developed.
The integrated build between the two companies is unique, Grigg said.
“Both contractors are excited about the project and are working well together on coordinating their designs,” he said.
KaBoom! will have a separate community design day for its portion this spring. It will include input from local children and parents.
Construction of the KaBoom! portion also will require volunteers, and planners are working to have both companies build out their playground sections within a relatively close schedule.
