DRAW IT OUT Morgan County Elementary School art teacher Laura Rice helps children express what they want in their park. photo special

By Stephanie Johns
Staff Writer

The Madison Greenspace Commission (GSC) hosted Dream Day for Washington Park on Saturday afternoon at CrossRoads School.
Between 10 and 15 children ages 4 to 12 attended the event and were asked to share their ideas of what the playground should have as well as their favorite forms of outdoor play, including skipping rope, swinging, kicking balls, playing on teeter-totters, climbing monkey bars and sliding.
“They all had a good time,” said City Planning Director Monica Callahan. “It was such a pretty day.”
Three members of the Greenspace Commission also attended: David Land, June Harrell and Amelia Steele.
Callahan shared her appreciation for being able to use the school.
“We want to thank Dr. Broadnax for using her personal time to come and open the school,” she later said of Dr. Jannie Broadnax, principal of CrossRoads.
Laura Rice, an art teacher from Morgan County Elementary School, led the children as they visualized what their ideal park would include.
Children painted pictures of themselves swinging and jumping rope surrounded by trees, flowers and frogs.
Also in attendance was Emmittie R. Williams, the woman from Green Meadows who wrote the petition a couple of years ago asking for the playground, and her two granddaughters as well as Sarah Wibell, who helped write the KaBoom! grant.
Madison has budgeted $15,000 and they have received a $15,000 KaBoom! grant as well as $30,000 from a local anonymous donor to update the park.
Once they raise another $5,000 they will have enough to complete Phase I, which will include a playground, a space with picnic tables and a soccer field.
KaBoom! Volunteer Chair Shawn Stephens provided snacks and beverages. Children in attendance left with a balloon printed with the motto "Play Every Day."

Printed in the November 8, 2012 edition