We continue to evaluate our ministry priorities in our annual strategic planning session. Since we are prioritizing our community life in our gather and grow events, we consistently find that our outdoor facilities limit our community events. In addition, our school students and staff are limited in their daily outdoor activities. In order to facilitate our shared community life, we believe the enhancement of our playgrounds a priority, especially as it facilitates ministry to the largest groups of our church (Children, Youth, School).

There is not a rush but a timing issue. We want to limit the disruption to school and church life by doing most of the construction work during the summer months. In addition, we have playground equipment that is no longer serviceable and breaking down. We’ve had to hire fabricators to manufacture pieces for repairs, but the equipment has moved past its life expectancy. 

The total project is estimated at $1.15 million, with $130k built in for overages and rising costs.

This is a great question for people who have no construction experience. Playgrounds alone run anywhere from $55,000-$80,000. With the equipment we’re putting in, we estimate about $250k. In addition, we’re moving lots of dirt, laying brick wall and creating new drainage, about $430k. We estimate the covered picnic area to cost about $300k. Along with new fencing, contractor fees, and a contingency fund, we estimate $1.3million.

The only addition to our annual budget will be the increased water bill for irrigation of the new field on the side of the gym and our primary field. If we don’t have the donations, we won’t move forward.

We might have to depending on the funds that come in. We have to do it in phases in order to minimize ministry impact, doing most of the work during the summer months.

Building one big playground doesn’t take into account the different needs of our children. The kindergarten playground equipment is very different from elementary age equipment. In addition, our Sunday children’s ministry and our week day kindergarten students need to have a smaller, more contained area for safety.

We wish that we could. It’s a beautiful and old tree. We currently spend several thousand dollars a year trimming the tree since it overhangs our building and kindergarten play area. If one of those limbs falls, it would be devastating. 

You can. Last week we had an architect come out to measure and deliver a mock up of potential options in that space. As soon as we have something, we’ll share it.

We don’t have a horizontal picture of that area to show you, but a top-down one. This project is in progress, and you’ll be able to get a better view soon.

Yes. Here you go with a fuller picture:

• Demolition, earth work, retaining wall: $85,000

• Carpentry: $23,000

• Fencing: $30,000

• Concrete forming, finishing: $83,000

• Landscape trees, irrigation, drainage: $348,000

• Playground equipment: $238,000

• Covered structure for picnic area: $300,000

• General contracting fee: $150,000

• Contingency: $127,000