By AUBRIE GEORGE
The Moorestown Sun
The Friends of Fullerton have asked local children and residents to complete an online survey that will help to formulate a vision for what will replace the playground at Fullerton Park.
Several answers have already been solicited through the survey, but it is still available for residents to take on the Friends of Fullerton Web site. Through the survey, residents can answer questions about what they’d like to see go up at the site and there is also room for individual comments, committee member Maryann Fallows said.
The survey results that have been submitted so far have been interpreted into a mission statement, or survey narrative, that will help outline the committee’s ultimate vision for the playground.
According to that narrative, which was written by committee member Joakim Marner, survey responders want a “unique, iconic playground, which looks different from your typical playground.”
In addition, the narrative said survey responders want the playground to be “aesthetically pleasing” and want it to fit into the natural environment or be built out of natural looking material. Many said they would like to see something similar to the current playground go up.
“Responders are looking for a loosely themed playground with lots of climbing structures, connecting bridges and towers.”
The narrative said responders want something like a castle, tower, or tree fort but nothing “too thematic” so that the playground may be conducive to open interpretation and creative play.
The statement also notes that responders want to see a large park with a lot of different structures and hiding spots.
“Kids like the current structures with slats close to each other, which allow hiding and peeking,” the narrative said. “Parents like the shaded area, which currently the existing tree provides, as well as the surrounding fence.”
Meanwhile, members of the committee met last week at the Community House where a fund-raising committee was formed. Fallows said the fund-raising committee plans to begin by selling personalized bricks. Applications to purchase bricks will be available in the near future, she said.
Further down the line, the fund-raising committee will consider soliciting corporate donations as well as donations from local families, perhaps offering the opportunity to sponsor some of the equipment that is constructed, Fallows said.
In addition, she said, the selection committee met last week as well and have selected six possible vendors who may supply the playground equipment. The committee plans meet with some of those vendors this week, Fallows said.
“We’re being aggressive and ambitious and we’re trying to get this whole process going quickly,” Fallows said.
The Friends of Fullerton committee plans to make a recommendation to Council in mid-July. Members will hold open meetings on June 9, June 23 and July 7. All meetings are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Moorestown Community House.
Updates on the committee’s progress as well as access to the survey are available on the Friends of Fullerton Web site, www.friendsoffullerton.com. Anyone who would like to get involved with the committee is asked to contact friendsoffullerton@gmail.com.
