MISSION
The Southwest Playground Project (SWPP) is a group of volunteers organized under the Near SE/SW Community Benefits Coordinating Council to create a central and safe place for children ages 2-12 to play, while bringing families from diverse educational, economic, and social backgrounds together.
VISION
The SWPP will work with individuals and businesses in the community and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation to build a playground in SW.
GOAL
To provide a safe playground and foster stronger neighborhood relationships, resulting in an improved Southwest Community infrastructure.
BACKGROUND
Target Date: Fall 2014
Budget: $450k – This reflects estimated costs for equipment and surfacing for phase I of a two-phase park improvement plan. The second phase is estimated to cost $300,000.
Fundraising: Funding will come through corporate, individual, and in-kind donations (food, supplies, etc.) and grants. The SWPP presently has secured the support of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the Safeway Foundation, CSX Corporation, Bravery Corporation, and several area restaurants, including Station 4.
Partnerships: The SWPP has partnered with DC Dept. of Parks and Recreation to make a donation of play equipment to the land and to become a Park Partner responsible for long-term maintenance of the playground. The final application has been approved for the 3rd and I Street, SW Park.
Community Support: The SWPP has the support of SW residents, the SW Library, Councilmember Tommy Wells (Ward 6), and local businesses. It actively recruits volunteers and shares information through monthly meetings, community canvassing, its website (www.swdcplayground.blogspot.com), Facebook, and Twitter pages. It also communicates through local blogs, the Hill Rag and Southwester newspapers.
Maintenance: The SWPP will host up to six (6) clean up days for the playground and park each year. Local businesses have been asked to assist with long-term maintenance and ongoing fundraising efforts.
