FUN ON THE new playground at Spring Garden Elementary School starts Friday after the school's PTA holds a formal dedication ceremony.
The dedication is a way to acknowledge the many in the community who donated money, and it's a way to let the pupils show off their new place to play. If it rains, the ceremony will shift to the cafeteria.
"Hampstead is a very generous little town," said Bonnie Lawson, who led the effort a year ago to replace the aging playground. "If you had to pick a town to live in, this would be at the top of the list. We raised $50,000 in seven months, while at the same time, Hampstead Elementary was raising money for a playground, too."
(When money for the Hampstead Elementary playground allegedly was stolen, Spring Garden responded by donating about $900. The Hampstead playground was dedicated this fall.)
About 13 months ago, the playground at Spring Garden Elementary had a dim future.
Urged by her daughter, a first-grader who was dismayed at having no playground for recess and who believed her mother could find a solution, Lawson formed a committee of about 30 parents and teachers.
The school has 675 children, down from 825 in recent years. Gloria Julius is the principal.
The committee researched how to replace a playground that had been blighted by weather, misuse and general wear and tear from 10 years of heavy use. The estimated $50,000 bill to purchase new playground components presented a challenge. The group began devising ways for children to be involved.
"Pennies for the Playground" tins sprouted in each classroom. Pupils collected donations, held yard sales and washed cars and took the change to school. Local businesses made donations. The PTA - 400 members strong - held a candle sale and raised funds Hampstead Day. They wanted to raise enough money for a summer installation.
"Bonnie put up a graph to track what was raised," PTA President Vicki Romm said. "We took pictures of kids with business donors, and put those around the school."
"Since the school is within the community, a lot of parents use the playground for younger-than-school-age children," Lawson said. "They saw the need. We had a lot of support from parents."
Romm added, "Dr. Julius was overwhelmed, I think, by the support of the community, parents, teachers and children. In fact, everybody couldn't believe we did this in such a short period of time. Everyone just rallied around the committee."
Recently, Hampstead Lions Club regraded the adjacent ball field.
To prevent vandalism, the playground is in a location visible from the street, and security cameras have been installed. A nightlight is planned. Money remains for maintenance and additions.
On Friday, balloons in the Spring Garden school colors, red and black, will be tied to the equipment for the 2:30 p.m. dedication. A blue ribbon will encircle the playground, symbolizing the school's National Blue Ribbon award.
Community benefactors have been invited to speak at the ceremony, including Gov.-elect Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., who donated to the playground fund while campaigning in Hampstead. County Commissioner Julia Walsh Gouge and Hampstead Mayor Christopher M. Nevin are expected. Lawson and Romm are to say a few words.
Pupils are to give short speeches. One child from each grade will read a poem, letter, story or show a poster expressing gratitude for the new equipment.
Julius will lead singing of "God Bless America."
To cut the ribbon, 32 children, one from each classroom, will hold safety scissors to the ribbon tied around the playground. They'll snip through it, opening the chutes and ramps.
In the spring, the committee plans to plant a tree in memory of Brad Ambel, whose children attend or attended the school.
"He was one of the very active parents who passed away," Lawson said. "His family very graciously asked that people send money for the playground in his memory. We're planning to plant a tree and have a memorial."
Spring Garden Elementary is on Boxwood Drive, accessed from North Woods Trail in Roberts Field, Hampstead.
Lessons for parents
Tom Zirpoli, a local parent and expert on parental skills, will speak to parents and children from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. tomorrow at North Carroll Middle School.
The presentation, "Back to Basics: The Top 10 List for Effective Parenting," is free. It is sponsored by counselors from the county school system. Parents may take their children, and refreshments will be provided.
Zirpoli, a professor at McDaniel College in Westminster, received a doctorate in education from University of Virginia. He has written a parental-skills column for a local newspaper and is the chief executive officer of Target, a program that serves the disabled.
Information: Barbara Guthrie, 410-751-3125.
Pat Brodowski's North neighborhood column appears each Wednesday in the Carroll County edition of The Sun.