October 24, 2018
To Medford Citizens, Volunteers, Staff, and Project Supporters,
Here is a status update on the Olsrud Family Community Playground
project.
The playground is approximately 75 percent complete. Following the
enormously productive “community build” phase, Parks Division staff
completed structural assembly tasks not requiring supervision by the
playground manufacturer, Leathers & Associates.
On Mon., Oct. 22, crews began attaching over 4,000 interlocking
playground surface tiles to the concrete deck, a tedious task requiring dry
conditions. Each 2-by-2-foot rubber tile weighs in excess of 20 pounds.
Meanwhile, nearly all missing manufactured playground components are
due in Medford by or around Oct. 29. Consequently, we have identified the
first weekend of November (Nov. 3-4) for installation of these missing parts
in the required presence of a Leathers supervisor, so we again need
volunteer assistance for 8 a.m.-Noon and 12:30-4:30 p.m. shifts on both
Saturday and Sunday.
Specifically, we’re asking the construction captains (“the yellow shirts”) and
previous volunteers to help Parks staff complete playground assembly in
hopes of having a ribbon-cutting ceremony the second weekend of
November. If we’re short on volunteer help from the core group, we’ll issue
a broader call for assistance.
Lastly, we calculated 1,083 volunteers (!!!) worked at least one shift during
the community build phase Sept. 29-Oct. 6, and over $335,000 has been
raised to date in cash and in-kind contributions. Personalized fence pickets and a select number of playground features are still available for purchase
or sponsorship. We are working on permanent site signage to acknowledge
the amazing community efforts on behalf of the Olsrud Family Community
Playground.
We’re eager to complete this unique project and to see the joy of children
using the playground. Thanks for your help and patience … the finish line is
in sight!
Gratefully,
Rich Rosenthal
Parks, Recreation and Facilities Director City of Medford (Ore.)
