Our program this week was to be the serving of lunch to the many volunteers working on the Reimagination Station at Mulligan’s Hollow.  When it was apparent that not all were needed to serve food, a few of us were able to join the some 1500 volunteers who have come out to lend their time and talents to “Build Week”.

 

                The original Imagination Station was built in 1990 and was an innovative concept in the day.  Children selected the design features and a wooden structure was raised in just a few days.  It was built on a bed of sand with a woodchip ground cover.  The structure was still in good condition, considering 28 years of wear and tear, and a popular destination for kids.  Upgrades in accessibility were needed and there was an issue of heat retention in the wooden structure.

 

                Under the leadership of Chris Streng, a new “Reimagination Station” was conceived with the input of more than 100 children in the design process.  Included were a Coast Guard boat, a lighthouse, a bridge to resemble the Catwalk, a shaky bridge, a rope climbing wall, monkey bars, a cargo net, a twisty tube slide, a treehouse and a variety of swings.  The construction is handicap friendly and the material is a plastic composite board rather than wood.

 

                The project is constructed on a concrete base which will be covered with a rubber coating.  The construction and design firm is Leathers and Associates, the same firm which designed the 1990 project.  They brought trailers full of an amazing amount of tools and materials necessary for the job; all under the direction of just two people.  It is truly a community effort. 

 

                The project cost goal of $500,000.00 was reached in July with money received from a variety of sources.  The project was completed Sunday and the whole project is heartwarming to watch unfold.  Thanks to all who participated.  I’ll race you to the treehouse!!