02/16/02

Playground renovations to begin this summer

CapePlay, the organization raising funds for new playgrounds in Cape Elizabeth, has secured enough donations to go forward this summer with construction of the initial design phases of both the Middle School and Pond Cove playgrounds. But, an additional $60,000 is needed by April so that both playgrounds can be completely rebuilt this summer.

Two fund-raising events for CapePlay have been scheduled for early March. The first is a Mother and Daughter Tea slated for Saturday, March 2; and the second, the major fund-raiser for CapePlay, is an auction scheduled for March 8 at Purpoodock Club.

Playgrounds at both schools need to be completely rebuilt, and a town playscape for toddlers and families is planned for Fort Williams. Reconstruction of the two school lots will begin this summer.

To further the fund-raising effort, CapePlay has invited all mothers and daughters to put on their Sunday best and come for afternoon tea, Saturday, March 2.

This festive affair is to be held in the Community Room at the new Town Center Fire Station on Jordan Way. There will be two seatings, from 1-2:15 p.m., and from 2:45-4 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person and are available through Community Services, 799-2868.

Tickets will not be available at the door the day of the tea.

In addition to indulging in classically elegant tea party fare, including finger sandwiches, petite pastries, etc., guests can participate in a springtime craft project and try their luck in a raffle or two. Tickets for the raffles will be available at the event.

The members of Brownie Troop 1405 will serve the tea and assist with the craft project.

All proceeds from the tea will go directly to CapePlay.

CapePlay's major fundraising event this year is the auction, March 8, at Purpoodock Country Club. There will be both silent and live auction items available for bidding, emceed by Chris Kast, and the $20/person ticket price includes extensive h'ors d'oeuvres. Invitations to the event are being mailed to every Cape resident, partially through the generosity of graphic artist Dan Howard and Direct Mail of Maine.

For more information, or to donate an item for auction, please contact Lisa Silverman-Gent at 799-9739.

The lion's share of funds raised to date includes $150,000 in town bond monies, a $25,000 federal grant (for the Middle School playground) and $18,000 in donations from the two school parent associations. Additionally, $15,000 was raised through a town-wide solicitation letter, and the Harmon Family Foundation donated $7000. A total of $3900 has been earned by Cape residents through rebate programs offered by SchoolPop and Hannaford, including a $1,000 bonus recently awarded by Hannaford.

CapePlay continues to seek donations from individual members of the community. They are tax-deductible, can be made out to CapePlay, and mailed to Town Hall, 320 Ocean House Road.

Both School playgrounds, particularly Pond Cove, require extensive site work to resolve grading and drainage issues, and to eliminate dangerous outcroppings of ledge. Current play equipment at both schools is roughly 15 years old, and has been repaired (or removed when necessary) countless times. It will be replaced with equipment that complies with current safety codes and is handicapped accessible. In addition to new play equipment, the sites will gain much-needed paved areas that will provide surfacing for a variety of group games, such as basketball, and four-square.