Write a commentThe Oswego Renaissance Association (ORA) announcde that it will coordinate a community based project to repair and re-stain the playground area in Franklin Square Park, West Third Street between West Seneca and Cayuga streets beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 5.
"The playground is used by hundreds of children each week from all over our city," stated Paul Stewart, ORA director. "Responding to citizens' concerns, the ORA contacted Mayor Gillen who instructed the Oswego Department of Public Works (DPW) to assess what repairs were needed and could be done. The DPW agreed to make all the needed repairs and to supply the necessary stain. The ORA agreed to form a team of volunteers to do the rest of the work."
To date, more than 30 people have volunteered to help. Many of the volunteers are local neighbors and parents of children who use the playground but, surprisingly, a large number of the volunteers are SUNY students.
"The outpouring has been wonderful," said Steven Phillips, ORA project coordinator. "I knew we would have local neighbors and parents, but I was surprised at the large number of SUNY students who stepped forward. Even one of the local fraternities has pledged 10 of their brothers to work the entire day."
The playground will not be open for its regular use Saturday, Oct. 5, however by the end of the day, it is anticipated a renewed playground will be ready to welcome hundreds of children back to its improved facility.
The ORA is a community based organization that works to build on Oswego's strengths through the "Healthy Neighborhood Approach," a middle market approach to community revitalization that has been successfully tested in scores of similar cities across the country.
To get involved or for more information, contact The Oswego Renaissance Association through their website at www.Oswegonyonline.com or by calling 315-439-2040.
