City playscapes: your city, like Philadelphia, can make playgrounds that are suitable for urban environments.

American cities face unique challenges when choosing playground equipment and accessories. They often are more frequently used, can be more susceptible to vandalism, and are extremely important in the overall health of an environment itself. In many areas, it is the only opportunity a child has to play--in fact with dwindling school budgets and elimination or reduction of recess and PE, local parks have become more important than ever in regard to fitness opportunities. Because cities often have dozens of parks within their boundaries, the budgetary consideration for improving and adding playgrounds can often prove challenging.

There are, however, shining examples of cities that have risen to the challenge and are making a difference. Philadelphia, Pa., for example, is one of America's oldest cities and is the fifth largest park department in the nation, with 159 staffed recreational centers, 275 playgrounds and multiple parks located throughout the metropolitan area. As such, the city of Philadelphia knows first-hand how difficult it can be to update and add new playgrounds in a tough economy. Challenged with a number of facilities containing older, outdated playground equipment, the department knew it needed to take action. Facing the same budget restrictions as many cities, it would be easy to simply set the project aside, and classify it as too overwhelming.

That approach wasn't acceptable to the park department, and its staff set out to methodically and systematically identify problems in their play environments, then formulate a plan to correct them. Led by Carlton Williams, deputy commissioner of Maintenance, Capital Programs and Facilities, the department identified and prioritized parks in need of attention. "Our first priority is safety on the playground, and providing places where children can develop and grow," says Williams. "We want to be able to provide clean, safe park environments, places where families want to come and spend time together." Providing this kind of environment can often make a difference in the urban neighborhood, imparting a sense of pride and preservation that carries into a daily routine.

When installing playgrounds in urban spaces, there are several concerns that are unique to that type of environment. The main priorities that are discussed with city planners usually include:

* Durability 

Urban playgrounds are among the most heavily used of any play environment. Often they are the only outlet for play in the area, so once school is out, they are used by neighborhood kids and their friends till long after dark. As such, cities usually specify 5-inch diameter uprights, which are built for this kind of use. They also lean toward steel as the material of choice, not only for the frame of the unit, but also for components such as climbers and slides.

* Maintenance

Maintenance crews at inner city parks also employ a frequent inspection routine for playground equipment. Heavy, frequent use calls for more recurrent inspections, but because vandals have been known to remove or damage hardware, urban crews have learned to keep spare hardware on hand, to make replacement fast and easy, and keep the playground open.

* Vandalism

Unfortunate as it is, vandalism is a reality in urban environments. Tagging, (or spray painting graffiti) is most common, and today's play equipment manufacturers answer the call by providing spray-on graffiti remover, which park maintenance staff can use to remove spray paint from plastic, steel and painted surfaces. Vandal resistance is also a factor when choosing safety surfacing, which can often lean toward solid, unitary surfaces because they cannot be carted away by vandals, and are easier to maintain.

* Variety

Kids in any play environment want lots to choose from, but in inner city areas, it is vital in order to keep the playground interesting and well-used. Providing a wide variety of play components, as well as opportunities to increase skill development within those components, is an important part of the overall design. Adding benches and seating options for families is a recommended option. Philadelphia is also planning to add skateparks and zero-depth sprayparks to its plan to provide an interesting variety of recreation opportunities for their citizens.

* Budgets

Since cities usually feature multiple play areas, budgets are a concern. Acquiring funding is one of the most common challenges, and one that Williams and his team has addressed with much success.

Williams and his team knew the size and scope of their plan would require creating phases. They applied for a matching funds grant from Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and National Resources and were awarded $550,000, and have another grant application pending for an additional $500,000. Together with the tax money available from the state capital programs budget, they systematically began replacing the playgrounds that needed the most attention, working with the playground designers to maximize the available funds. "Last year we added four new playgrounds, and this year we are slated to add eight more," says Williams. "We have set a goal to repair, replace or update our play environments at the rate of 5 to 10 each year, until all meet updated safety standards."

The department is also planning citywide park revitalization. Williams adds, "Our overall goal is to establish park and play environments that offer something for entire families, to encourage family relationships, interaction and help keep kids off the street."

As a park and recreation provider, Williams and his department take this role seriously. They firmly believe that they can make a difference in the community by the type of facilities and environments they create for its residents, who understand the importance for urban play environments. Philadelphia is an example of a large city that is dedicated to doing what it takes to make its revitalization plan a reality, one park at a time, and should serve as a model for urban park planning and revitalization.

RELATED ARTICLE: How can I raise funds for our playground?

A FEW TIPS ON FUND-RAISING AND GRANTS.

Recruit neighborhood activists

Citizens are a powerful tool in creating awareness and innovating fund-raising ideas. Hold a meeting in the area that you would like to build the playground and invite local residents to attend. Clearly state your goals and ask for help. Local playground representatives are more than willing to offer support at these meetings, providing visual aids, project figures, and other facts to help motivate citizens to action. Involving community members and asking for their support is a great way to discover new fund-raising sources and add champions for your cause.

Help the community monitor progress

Post a "fund-raising thermometer" in the park or area you are installing the playground with monetary increments marked along one side, and your final goal at the top. Color it in as funds are raised to keep the community posted on your progress. When there is a significant increase in funds, call the community together and hold a ceremony to fill in the latest figures. Motivation is a key to success and nothing motivates a community like progress.

Research grant opportunities in your area

Local and state government branches may have information on grants available in your area, and can direct you to field offices or Web sites that will clarify these grant opportunities and how to qualify.

Don't forget the Internet 

The Internet is rich with grant source information. Use a search engine to look for grants in your area by entering the type of grant you are seeking, start with search terms that describe your particular project (accessible playground grant, fitness grant, minority grant, grants by state, etc.) or other key words to narrow the search.

Remember it takes time and persistence to succeed

After you have written a grant proposal, it could take as long as a year to obtain the funds needed to carry it out. And even a perfectly written grant proposal submitted to the right prospect might be rejected for any number of reasons.

Ask playground manufacturers for help

If you ask your manufacturer, the company may have grant ideas. They can help you find grant source documents and give grant writing tips. Some companies will also provide 3-D imaging, quotes and other tools to its customers so they can include these visuals with their grant application.

Research specific grant writing formulas for each source

Many funders today prefer a brief letter proposal; others require that you complete an application form before receiving an invitation to submit a full proposal; still others prefer a full proposal as a starting point. Be sure to understand these preferences, so you don't waste your time, or that of the funder.

If your hard work results in a grant, be sure to acknowledge the funder's support with a letter of thanks. Also keep in mind that rejection isn't necessarily the end of the process. If you're unsure why your proposal was rejected, ask. Did the funder need additional information? Would he or she be interested in considering the proposal in the future? And remember, there's always next year!

For more information about the Philadelphia Park and Recreation programs, visit www.phila.gov/recreation.