By Joseph Edgerton
Staff Writer

With the help of those who want to sell off some unwanted items, Allenstown children may soon have a new playground.

Patty Gardner is the recreation commissioner in Allenstown, and she runs a summer play group for children age 1 to 5 at the Community Center on Whitten Street. She is interested in building a playground at the Whitten Street Park for all the town children. She planning a flea market next month to help finance it.

"I've wanted a playground for years," she said. "I know that the town also wants a playground there, because they included it in the master plan, but unfortunately they don't have the money, and I don't have the support."

Gardner expanded her efforts to include the Pembroke/Allenstown Lions Club, and so far they have raised $1,000. Unfortunately, they are a long way from their goal, and they need the help of the public.

"We have plans for a playground now in place, and it would be very helpful if the residents had a broader picture as to what we are doing," she said. "We need to gain the support of the community because this playground is for them."

Gardner said she would like to use the money raised thus far to put in a play structure, and in doing so raise the awareness of the town. So far, the biggest challenge facing the project is the lack of public awareness and support.

"We'd like to put in something with what we've raised so far to get people interested. Our particular plans call for a total of $34,306," said Gardner. "It a huge cost, but if you want something half decent, that the low end of pricing."

The designs for the playground, while tentative, would feature a "circuit style" play area, where children age 2 through 12, possibly older, could enjoy themselves.

"A circuit playground is set up like an obstacle course," said Gardner. "We have some really cool slides in the plans, and we want to spend the money on equipment and play modules as opposed to just buying deck structures. We want things that the kids can actually play with."

Among the items included in the plans are a handicappedaccessible swing, small climbing walls, a tree climber module and several slides.

The nearest playground is a half mile away, and because it is located at a school, it is used mainly by older children.

"We have this great park at Whitten Street, but we don't have a playground there," she said. "It a community park, and the location is convenient because it right near the recreation center."

The next fundraiser is a flea market scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 8 and 9 at Aubuchon Hardware in Allenstown. Vendors are needed.

"It been difficult to get people to participate, and getting the support of the public is always a challenge," said Gardner. "We're asking for vendors to purchase space at the market to sell items."

While fundraising has so far been a difficult undertaking, Gardner enthusiasm is still high.

"It a great park, it a really nice place, and we've been fixing it up," said Gardner. "It looks awesome, and we're ready." For more information about the Whitten Street Park Playground, or to purchase space at the flea market, call Patty Gardner at 485-5433.