Opening Celebration Picnic at AP Rounds Playground

Rebuilding Rounds would like to invite you to the grand re-opening of A.P. Rounds Playground on Saturday, September 21st, at 2pm on the corner of Broadway and MacArthur in Stoneham.  The party is potluck picnic style.  Keep it simple—you’re welcome to bring a favorite salad or casserole, but a bag of fruit or a loaf of crusty bread to share is just fine, too.   Nut-free, though, please!  Plates, napkins, and drinks will be provided.

This grand opening picnic will give us a chance to thank all of our town supporters, show off all the hard work and new features to community members, and, best of all, give us a chance to play together and try it all out!  We’re keeping it low-key, but if a community member or group has a talent and would like to perform, we’re open-minded.  Contact us!  

The newly renovated A.P. Rounds Playground is actually already officially open for use, though!  It re-opened shortly after the most recent community build day on August 24th  when volunteers installed the large structure geared towards 5-12 year olds.  A toddler structure was installed on the first community build on May 18th.  Hundreds of children from around town have been swarming it, rain or shine.

Some of the most popular features from the most recent build day include the brand-new super long tunnel slide and a long awaited and frequently requested seesaw.  Earlier in the summer kids played on the toddler structure, but also really love the sandbox (partially built by 5-year-old Alex Downer) and the extra-large elephant bouncer.  

In addition to the fun playground equipment the park is just a much more pleasant place to be.  The more attractive landscaping and additional benches have made it a more popular destination for all ages—adults are even coming on their own for picnics or exercise.  There is plenty of street parking nearby and it is a short walk from the town soccer fields.  

Rebuilding Rounds is pleased (and relieved!) to have accomplished their ultimate goal of installing a toddler and “big-kid” structure and of polishing the place up a bit.  But they wouldn't be telling the entire truth if they said they were completely done.  Here are some of the features that are definitely coming that will be quickly and privately installed:  a fence, more picnic tables and benches, a couple of raised garden beds, some sort of accessible equipment, and a large sign with thank-yous.  

In addition, the call for outdoor art projects (http://goo.gl/3ZVro5) will remain open and if individuals or groups have ideas for additions of their own they should grab the idea and run with it.  Look what founder Angelika Paul’s brainstorm turned into!  Finally, we hope to continue hosting future community events at the space!  Let’s turn it into a beloved community center!  

Mostly, we’d like to thank all of our volunteers and supporters. Please visit http://RebuildingRounds.org or contact volunteer@playgroundhunt.com with any questions.