The construction stage of Leadership Hopkinsville’s Project Playground is set to start at the end of the month.

“We have raised approximately $74,000,” said Louanne Young, a member of the 2008 Leadership Hopkinsville class in a release.

She said they still need to raise $25,000 for the project.

Besides funding, the leadership class also requests that people donate their time and volunteer their tools for the construction of the playground.

“We need the public’s help,” said David Coombs, a member of the leadership class.

Today, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Leadership Hopkinsville will have a table set up to collect donations and register volunteers at Kroger on Skyline Drive.

“We still need 1,300 volunteers for Project Playground,” said Nikki Radford, one of the organizers.

The construction begins April 30 and continues through May 4 with three shifts each day.

The first shift is 8 a.m. to noon, the second shift is 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and the third shift is 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

As of Friday, 425 volunteers have already signed up, Radford said.

Anyone 10 years old to 13 years can volunteer accompanied by their parent or guardian.

Anyone 18 years and younger will not be allowed to handle power tools.

Free child care will be provided on site for children nine and under.

“We also need the public to loan us their tools,” said Coombs.

He said tools can be dropped starting April 30. The drop off location for the tools will be announced at a later time.

The following tools are need: drills with electric cords, electric saws, wheelbarrows, levels, extension cords, hammers, paint brushes and step ladders. (click to view complete list of tools needed)

To loan Project Playground tools contact Coombs at 839-8714.

To volunteer for Project Playground call Radford at 484-0985 or Kiley Kisselbaugh 887-7890.

Source:
KY New Era, April 5, 2008
By Melanie George, New Era staff writer