By Nathan Duke
Staff Writer

Goffstown need look no further than the neighboring communities of Weare and Pembroke for an example of new and improved playgrounds built by volunteers in a relatively short time span.

In Pembroke, more than 50 volunteers turned out to build a new state-of-the-art playground at Pembroke Village School in the spring.

They worked over two days in early May to construct a playground complete with a fire truck and climbing wall, as well as swings and all the traditional equipment guaranteed to provide lots of fun. There’s even something for the adults – tables and benches – that is if they choose not to enjoy the playground themselves.

“The community truly came together to support us in this effort,” said Tina Newberry, president of the Pembroke Action League for Schools (PALS).

PALS donated $23,000 toward the project, which was in the works for over two years. An additional $10,000 was raised by the school, primarily through the Hill/Village Road Race and Walk-A-Thon, under the direction of Craig Stam and Sue Cowan. No money from the school budget was used for the project.

The volunteer effort affirmed for Newberry that Pembroke is a great place to raise children. “It’s contributions like these that really make a community,” she said.

Under the guidance of Russ Packard, better known as Dr. Play, parents, teachers, school administrators, current and past school board members, employees of the town and local businesses and other community members assembled equipment, raked, mixed and poured cement and lugged trash. Many area businesses assisted with the effort by donating food, funds and equipment.

“It is truly amazing what a community can accomplish in just a short time working together,” said PALS secretary Shannon Michaels, who spearheaded the project.

“I was amazed that people who do not even have children in the school were rolling up their sleeves with the rest of us. It was a real team effort,” said Mona Kraus, vice principal at Pembroke Village School, who volunteered to be the first one down the slide to make sure it was safe.

Who are the volunteers?

PALS, a group of parents, teachers and interested community members, works to enrich education in Pembroke by assisting with activities within the schools, providing cultural events such as musical, theatrical and literacy programs and helping fund purchases for the schools that are not included in the budget. The playground was one such project.

“I continue to be impressed with PALS. Their support of the schools is tremendous and their ability to bring the community together to impact our children’s educational experience should truly be applauded,” said Whitbeck.

Weare’s effort

Weare also opened a new playground in May, through the organizational efforts of residents Misty Oliphant, Kimberly Bergeron and Lisa Wetherbee.

The three women helped raise money for the Bolton Memorial Park playground, located on Route 114, adjacent to Granite State Telephone.

Several local businesses, such as Shaw’s and Wal-Mart, made donations and the women organized a buy-a-brick fundraiser, in which bricks were sold for $50 each.

The three also contacted the Weare Athletic Club, whose members assisted with the project.

The playground consists of swings, sand toys, slides, benches and a climbing wall.

“We started this past summer,” said Wetherbee earlier this spring – a one-year effort that led to a great result.

On construction day in May, about 50 volunteers were provided with meals, tools and other equipment necessary to create the roughly $60,000 park.

The engraved bricks from the fundraiser were used to build an entrance to the playground.

Steve Dibble of Childscape was the designer of the project. Dibble aided Wetherbee, Oliphant and Bergeron in picking out age-appropriate modules.

After consulting with Dibble, the three contacted the Weare Athletic Club and began the project.

“The kids are really excited about the playground,” said Wetherbee prior to construction. “We have a newsletter at the school. The kids read it and do chores to raise money. It’s great because it makes them a part of the project, too. They can look at it and say, ‘That’s our playground.’”