“kidMania” is coming to town! And we need your help! We’re excited to report that “kidMania” is nearing construction and moving ahead very quickly. And there is still an opportunity for you to get involved with this fantastic project for Allen’s kids.
“kidMania” is a community-built playground within the newest addition to the Allen park system, Celebration Park. Located on Angel Parkway across from Curtis Middle School, “kidMania” will be one the largest community-built play structures in Texas. Businesses and individuals have come together to help make this unique project a reality. Best of all, the “kidMania” playground is built so that all children in the community can enjoy it. It is completely handicap accessible. Planning and fundraising have been in progress for more than a year in order to meet a schedule that will allow the playground to be open for the city’s Fourth of July Spectacular which will also be held in Celebration Park on June 28th. That’s right, “kidMania” is being built in May of this year!
Below are some facts and information about “kidMania” and the upcoming build events.
What does it mean to be a community-built playground?
Remember, “kidMania” is a community-built playground. As such, volunteers are needed for every aspect of construction. This playground structure is being funded and built by community volunteers like you! While some of the construction phases also include city staff, city staff are participating to help ensure that construction adheres to the manufacturers specifications and that quality is met. Beyond this role of city staff, hundreds of volunteers are needed for the successful construction of “kidMania”.
How big is “kidMania”?
The “kidMania” playground structure will be the largest community-built playground in the State of Texas. It will be over 200 feet long and 75 feet wide. Wide decks and ramps will help make this unique playground very accessible to children of all abilities. Its highest ramp will be more than 6 feet above the ground and there will be more than 50 accessory play stations for children.
How old must I be to volunteer for the construction zone?
All volunteers within the construction zone must be at least 16 years old. There are no exceptions to this requirement. Each volunteer must sign a waiver form and each volunteer that is 16 or 17 years old must have the waiver co-signed by a parent.
When do you need volunteers?
Such a large structure requires not only hundreds of volunteers but construction in several stages. Volunteer help is needed for 4 stages of the “kidMania” construction:
4/30/03 Equipment Sorting
(30 volunteers needed)
(9:00 a.m. at Celebration Park, park in east lot off Angel Pkwy.)
5/10/03 through 5/20/03 Technical Build
(Hundreds of volunteers needed)
(8:00 a.m., park in west lot off Malone Road)
5/24/03 Community Accessory Build #1
(Hundreds of volunteers needed)
(8:00 a.m., park in west lot off Malone Road)
5/31/03 Community Accessory Build #2
(Hundreds of volunteers needed)
(8:00 a.m., park in west lot off Malone Road)
Remember, when volunteering, be sure to sign in at the Registration table prior to going to work and make sure you’ve signed your waiver form.
What is Equipment Sorting?
30 volunteers are needed for the sorting of equipment when it arrives on 4/30/03. This is expected to be an all day event and will be ideal for those volunteers that may be interested in a leadership role for the 3 remaining community build events. This time allows team leaders to familiarize themselves with the play structure components.
The volunteers for "Equipment Sorting" will work closely with city staff and other team leaders in pre-positioning all “kidMania” playground materials and inventorying the equipment in preparation for the Technical Build and the Community Accessory Builds.
What is the Technical Build?
Hundreds of volunteers are needed for the Technical Build. The Technical Build is what we’re calling the construction of the “spine” of the playground. This structure is huge! It is the "backbone" from which all other elements are connected. It consists of 104 support posts (and associated holes), 18 platforms, and 17 ramps that comprise the “kidMania” play equipment infrastructure.
The Technical Build is being performed during a period of 10 days. Because it comprises the foundation of the “kidMania” structure and must meet several key construction criteria, it is being completed in conjunction with city staff.
What is the Community Accessory Build?
The Community Accessory Build days will also involve hundreds of volunteers. Each of the more than 50 accessory stations of “kidMania” will have a team of approximately 10 volunteers that will build a complete “kidMania” accessory. These accessories could be a slide, a swing, or even a 2-story observation tower!
Regardless of the accessory, the Community Accessory Build days will be the time when “kidMania” comes to life and the play structure takes its final form.
We’re looking for volunteers to lead teams in the construction of each playground element. This means more than 50 team leaders are required. The teams may be made up of church groups, school groups, co-workers, a neighborhood group, or any group or individuals that want to lend a hand and be part of “kidMania”.
Do I need to bring any tools?
While “kidMania” may be a huge play structure, the tools needed for construction are fairly simple. The playground will be a modern plastic and metal structure so putting it together basically consists of “nuts and bolts”. You are encouraged to bring your own tools (and keep track of them) during construction. If you don’t have tools, don’t worry, we will provide you with what you will need. An ideal tool set would consist of the following:
Ratchet (socket) wrench with various sockets
Open end and or box wrenches
Work gloves
Sun Screen
Hat
Covered toed shoes (No sandals are permitted in the construction zone.)
Shirt must be worn at all times.
What special skills are required to be a volunteer?
No special skills are required to be a construction volunteer. If you can turn a ratchet, carry a piece of play equipment and enjoy working with others to build something great in your community, you're on our team!
Do you need volunteers for something other than construction?
Yes! There are many ways for you to be involved. In addition to construction crews, we need volunteers to help with food, refreshments, children’s entertainment, sign-in and registration, project site safety and more.
I heard something about prizes being given away to volunteers. What’s with that?
Throughout each of the construction phases there will be drawings with chances to win Home Depot gift cards with values ranging from $10 to $100!
