New playground built at Y

[July 07, 2011]  On Saturday, a large group of volunteers came together at 6 a.m. to build a new playground at the Y Activity Center, 719 Wyatt Ave. Piece by piece, section by section, it all began to take shape -- the swings, the tube, the big slide.

Team Reil, based in Union, is in business to sell playground equipment, but even their trailer says they create "Community Built Playgrounds." The company works closely with an organization to find the right kind of playground for the age group to be considered. On the day of construction, a playground foreman and a manager oversee the activity of volunteers who actually build the playground. All tools and equipment needed for construction are provided by Team Reil.

"Everyone I talked to (at Team Reil) was very helpful," said Jan Schacht, executive director of the Lincoln Area YMCA. "They couldn't have been more patient and considerate. I had to call several times and ask questions to get everything ordered and arranged, and they always took the time to answer and explain the process. It was a great experience."

The key to completing a playground is the volunteers who spend their time constructing the equipment. Saturday's crew included YMCA board members; board members' spouses; a YMCA mother, Tracy Bergin; Berglin's two sons, William in seventh grade and Alexander in sixth; members of the Farm Bureau Young Leaders; and members of the Logan County Farm Bureau board.

A blueprint and computer-generated picture were on-site for everyone to view. Also accessible was a table full of bags with every screw, bolt and fastener needed. The company sends pipes, support poles, connectors, swings, slides and other parts in what could be considered a kit. The foreman and manager work alongside the volunteers, steering the process and answering questions, but allowing the volunteers to use their skills and know-how to complete the project.

Lunch was provided by Sorrento's, courtesy of owners Jim and Lisa Drew. YMCA board members Pat Geskey and Sally Fleshman made desserts.

The project was finished in the early afternoon.

Delivery of pea gravel to be spread across the playground area will be scheduled soon. A border of beams will define the area and contain the gravel within the graded surface.

Funding for the playground was provided by Eaton Corp., Integrity Data, State Bank of Lincoln, YMCA funds and money generated from the annual Cow Bingo.

"This has been a two-year process," Schacht said, "with a lot of planning and discussion that brought everything together to what we have here today. The kids will be thrilled."

[By MARLA BLAIR]