’Design Day’ a success

Michelle Brennan, HBPP general coordinator
    On Sept. 26, the Hopewell Borough Playground Project hosted “Design Day” for the purpose of designing new community-built playgrounds at the Gazebo Park and Historic Train Station. A designer from Leathers & Associates, John Dean, visited our town for a day of site meetings, children interviews, design and drawing, and finally an unveiling of our new playground schematics at a community celebration. A lot of time, energy, and effort was put forth to make this event a success. First and foremost, a big thanks to all of the students from local elementary schools who submitted drawings or essays to inspire the designer’s designs. Thank you to Hopewell Elementary School and Principal Chris Laquidara for hosting the day and allowing the designer to interview every student, asking them “What would be in your dream playground?” We received so many creative, unique, and entertaining responses!
   Thank you to Mayor Paul Anzano, town council, and the Borough of Hopewell office for supporting the project and making it a priority to attend the site meetings and community celebration. We understand that without your support, this exciting project would not be possible.
   Big thanks to all of the generous businesses that have donated their services and stepped up to support this project and Design Day event from the very beginning. NT Digital for creating and hosting our Web site (www.hopewellplayground.com), Hyatt Place Hotel for donating lodging for the designer, DJ Royale (www.djroyale.net) for providing services pro bono, just to name a few.
   Thank you to all of the committee members (both adult and children’s committees), who have graciously volunteered their time to attend meetings, staff events, publicize the project and upcoming events, or take on whatever is necessary to move this project forward. I am in awe of the talent, experience, and dedication that already exists on the committee, and I am confident we will successfully accomplish our scheduled playground build week, June 17-21, 2009.
   Lastly, thank you to all of the community members and families that attended Friday’s celebration in support of the project and came to witness the playground schematics unveiled for the first time! We hope you left the event with enthusiasm and excitement about the project and a willingness to volunteer to make our park spaces more unique, educational, and beautiful.
   Thank you to everyone who made Design Day a tremendous success! We appreciate your support and look forward to working together as a community in the upcoming months. If you have interest in volunteering on the Hopewell Borough Playground Project committee, or for more information on our project, please visit www.hopewellplayground.com.