Spring Street Playground Improvement Project



Group photo of volunteers who helped with the Spring Street Playground Improvement Project

On behalf of the city of Greensburg and GCDC, thanks to the 40 Greensburg residents and boy scouts who made the Spring Street Playground Improvement Project a success. The volunteers gathered on Saturday, May 12 to complete the installation of playground equipment and spread approximately two tractor trailer loads of wood chips under and around the new playground equipment. The boy scout members of Troop 419 also installed a new basketball hoop and painted the basketball court. They returned to the playground at a later date to finish the playground improvements by painting a hopscotch court and 4-square game area.


Local boy scouts who helped with the impovement project

Greensburg residents of all ages are thrilled about the playground improvements. Melissa, a local mother said, “We’re really excited about it. I have a three-year old son, Gregory. He loves the slides. That’s one of his favorite things. We just hope this playground is one step towards revitalizing this community.”

Several children from the area showed up during the Community Build Day on May 12, eager to use the newly installed playground equipment. Shay, a girl from the neighborhood said, “It’s nice for us, and it’s fun to play. I’ll be using the ones that automatically spin.”

Neighborhood children playing on new playround equipment

The GCDC board members also thank KaBOOM Snapple/Dr. Pepper Foundation, Westmoreland Now & Forever Fund and People’s Natural Gas Company for providing the grants that funded the new playground equipment. The GCDC received a $15,000 grant from KaBOOM! Foundation Snapple/Dr. Pepper and a $15,000 matching grant from the Westmoreland Now & Forever Fund to purchase new playground equipment. People’s Natural Gas Company also supported the project by providing a $10,000 grant.

KaBOOM! Foundation is a national non-profit organization dedicated to saving play for America's children. By partnering with local non-profit organizations, KaBOOM! fights this play deficit by constructing innovative kid-inspired playspaces, sharing knowledge and tools, and building a national movement to save play. Ultimately, KaBOOM! envisions a place to play within walking distance of every child in America.

The planning process to improve the playground and park began in late 2011. During a series of meetings, residents, community leaders and city staff discussed the potential improvements to the park and the type of play activity desired by the residents. Everyone agreed that kids love to climb on things and that the equipment must be durable. From these criteria, the group selected the specific type of equipment and vendor for Mayor and Council to approve. The new playground equipment chosen challenges children with climbing, balance, and strength focused play activities. The equipment is appropriate for kids ages 2 years to teens.

Planning meeting for the project

Because of the grants and the many people who were involved in this improvement project, the Spring Street Playground & Park is now complete. Thanks again to everyone who helped create a fun and friendly place for the children in Greensburg to play!