A project to replace local playground equipment here began a year and a half ago, following the removal of some older equipment, due to insurance concerns.
Both Moorefield and Drayton parks were affected, so the Optimist Club of Moorefield and the Kinsmen Club of Drayton joined forces for Mapleton’s “50/50 funding” program, proposing the installation of $30,000 improvements to each park.
“Many thanks go out to the parks and recreation committee and Mapleton council for their approval and support of the endeavor. A tremendous amount of prior work and fundraising goes into a project like this and for one group to do it alone would be next to impossible,” noted Kinsmen Club president Wayne Mick.
In Moorefield, where a larger climbing structure still remained, the focus was on individual “stand alone” activity pieces, whereas Drayton needed a larger structure replaced. “Accessibility” was also a key requirement. The procurement process involved several different equipment companies, resulting in RTS from St. Clements being selected.
The combined efforts of the two community service groups and the Township of Mapleton proved successful and fun, Mick notes. Township employees, club members, family and even kids from the community showed up to lend a hand, many offering the use of tractors, equipment and even tractor-trailers.
“Community spirit was strong,” said Mick, adding the Kinsmen mandate of “Serving the Community’s Greatest Needs” and the Optimists’ “Friend of Youth” motto were both met. This was made obvious by the line-up of children waiting to “try it out” as the last cubic yard of wood-chips was raked level on May 22.
A great way to get involved with community betterment projects like this is joining a local organization, officials note. Residents are encouraged to seek out members and ask about membership opportunities, or support their fundraising events, such as the “Mapleton Rodeo” July 5 to 7, for which the Optimists and Kinsmen are again joining forces.
“Thank you to the Township of Mapleton and the club members and families for all their support and good work,” says Mick.
