After new state safety standards forced the dismantling of the
playground at the Southside Homeless Shelter, a group of local
construction workers decided to help.
After new state safety standards forced the dismantling of the playground at the Southside Homeless Shelter, a group of local construction workers decided to help.
On Saturday, the local chapter of the National Association of Women In Construction started construction of a two-story, 200-square-foot playhouse as part of the playground replacement project. The original playhouse was much smaller – about four feet by four feet, and “dilapidated,” said Niessa Bauder-Guaracha, vice president of the local NAWIC chapter.
Brian Abbott, executive director of Community Services Development Corporation, said the new playhouse will have a cottage-style look.
“The playhouse is another place for kids to play,” Abbott said. “Kids are at their best when they use their imagination, when they play. This allows them to do that.”
The new playground area is about 3,200 square and includes an area with picnic tables where families can interact more. Homeless families sometimes feel isolated and the new area will help promote interaction, Abbott said.
The cost of the project is estimated at $55,000, $53,000 of which was raised through donations.
Fifteen people volunteered their time on the playhouse Saturday – some of them NAWIC members, others just community members just wanting to help out, Bauder-Guaracha said, adding that more volunteers are needed.
The group will meet every other Saturday until the project is finished. Hartnell College carpentry instructor Bob Beery is teaching volunteers the basics of construction each week.
Most of the playhouse’s frame is set, Bauder-Guaracha said. The next step will include assembling the roof.
The homeless shelter houses 16 families at one time and about 90 kids a year, Abbott said. He added that having a playground is important for the kids.
“There is ample research that shows that exercise is good for the social, cognitive and intellectual development of children,” Abbott said. “(Without the playground) The kids at the shelter would be deprived of their opportunity to play.”
The original playground and playhouse did not meet state safety requirements because of metal components and lack of a protective surface material, Abbott said. The new equipment, which includes plastic, metal and engineered wood fibers, is already installed. The playhouse should be completed by April, he said.
The local NAWIC chapter was formed three years ago and includes San Benito County, Gilroy and Morgan Hill. To find out more about NAWIC or to volunteer, call Bauder-Guaracha at 637-3873. To donate, call Abbott at 636-5524.
