Skilled Volunteers Needed to Help Rebuild ‘OurSpace’
It took three years, but in June of 2016, the Binghamton Community and the City of Binghamton completed an expansive inclusive all ages playground called OurSpace at Recreation Park. It was built so even kids with disabilities could enjoy the playground. It was the largest of it's kind in New York State.
The handicapped accessible playground was enjoyed by thousands of kids of all ages and abilities until an arsonist burned it to the ground in a senseless act of evil last month. Officials say the playground was set on fire in the early morning of June 1.
Since then, the community has donated money to help rebuild. Even though they haven't raised all the money they need to rebuild, Jen O'Brien, who was the driving force behind OurSpace. says the rebuilding stage is ready to start. As it stands now, August 17-23 will be the rebuild dates at Recreation Park.
O'Brien says they are looking for people from the community that have construction experience or skills that would like to donate their time to help rebuild this community treasure.
Do to COVID-19 restrictions, they're asking that only people with construction experience and their own tools sign up. They said they will be working 12-hour days and will be scheduling two daily shifts. They are hoping to have 30-40 skilled people working on the project per day.
So if you have construction experience, your own tools, and you are willing to donate sometime between August 17-23, click here to sign up.
And if you don't have experience with construction but would still like to help, you can make a monetary donation buy clicking here.