Playground Mobilization: Collaboration by two Broward AKA Chapters
By Barbara Thomas
“Playground Mobilization”, one of AKA’s Impact Day Projects to restore, renew and refresh a playground, was conducted May 20 by Chi Psi Omega and Kappa Kappa Omega Chapters.
Approximately 70 participated at the Early Childhood Learning Laboratory and Outdoor Classroom, Broward College North Campus.
“Green techniques” were provided by Orchards of Deerfield Beach; another partner, Orchards, provided in-kind donations of plants for nine raised beds and six large size pots, including vegetables and also donated flowers. They donated 30 large bags of mulch and 25 bags of soil; brought latex gloves for every participant and needed gardening tools. The small gardening tools were left for 70 toddlers for sustaining the plants.
Orchards brought the truck load of items, stayed Saturday during the height of business, volunteered and demonstrated professional planting and gardening.
More than 100 toys and the new playground equipment were cleaned.
Chapters had the old benches removed and placed with new red and blue ones.
They also watered/saturated new flowers and plants.
Mission accomplished! The groups gave it a “good look’” appearance, added quality, ensured safety and made it ready for use.
Feedback evidenced a kid-tested, amazing playground and garden, environmentally conscious equipment, with children and teachers enjoying the outdoor area.
Evidenced from the on-line survey was the use of ”green techniques”, safety-management, recycling efforts, and sustainability; while fostering environmental ownership.
Healthy snacks were provided for participants.
Chi Psi Omega Chapter members in attendance included Ashley Greene, 2nd, Vice-President; Barbara J. Thomas, Target IV Environmental Ownership Chairman; Crystal Brumfield, Ann A. Burnett, Nickisha Coachman, La’Chavious Clark, Michelle Green, Khira Holloway, Juanita Louis, Josetta B. Patterson, Dr. Avis Proctor (campus president) and Joyce Toran.
Kappa Kappa Omega Chapter members included LaNetta Henry, President; Kara Bailey, 1st Vice-President; Bernice Bailey, Target IV Environmental Ownership Chairman; Rendolyn Amaker, Abbie Bryan, Vanessa Bruton, Virpi Callaway, Beverly Kelly Swann, Andrea Knowles, Courtney Martin, Laconia Martin, Jemilla Montgomery, Connie Phillips, Karen Stokes, Shemetria Sullivan, Shamilia Thomas, Latoya Wright and Suzette Wright.
ASCEND students and 29 volunteers were also participants.
A debt of gratitude is owed to Orchards’ Miguel Monray, Assistant Store Manager; Roop Shivamber, Gardening Specialist and Ferlanda Chery. Ira A. Tucker, of North Campus, will provide follow-up.
