Salem Common Update 2

When we last left this story; after working on the design and planning of the Salem Common playground, Parents United of Salem had their design rejected by the Historical Commision and therefore delayed the opening of the playground for this year. Apparently the Commission did not approve of the color scheme and wanted a playground that reflected the history of Salem (ie. sailing, harbor?). Although the commission was invited to the playground process earlier, they opted to wait till final designs were established before commenting (note: no footnote here).

At the last Historical Commission meeting, a NEW, modified Landscape Structure design was presented and . . . approved (image below . . . not of the joyous P.U. of Salem members rejoicing, but of the new design).

The Historical Commission will return on September 3rd to discuss colors and flooring options further, but for the time being are allowed to promote the green/khaki color scheme.

Also at the meeting, City Counselor Mike Sosnowski was given pictures of the existing damages on our current playground. Counselor Sosnowski said he was not aware of these necessary repairs and he will see that they are fixed while waiting for the new playground.

The hope is have the new playground installed July 2009. Thanks to Kelly Fouhey for the recent update and image.

Stay tuned for more info . . .

Salem Common Update

First, I have been trying to get that image for the new design of the Salem Common playground and I have not been very successful. But now it seems, the image is moot.

I was at the common today and I was speaking with my neighbor down the street (I actually just met her . . . kind of sad really that she lived down the street and I have never met her until today) who was at the Parents United of Salem (P.U.S. . . unfortunate acronym) picnic, said that the Salem Common Neighborhood Historical Society suddenly decided to get involved and did not approve of the designs of the new playground. 

They wanted a Maritime theme or something and felt the green modular system was not appropriate. I think they have to start from scratch again. eeeeuuu

Salem Common

The Salem Common playground is still the same. BUT, it is being worked on. I've blogged about before, but I still haven't received a photo of the initial designs. 

Anyhoo, one thing they had done was to remove the broken benches from around the huge maple tree. Well, LUCKILY, they have replaced those benches and they look beautiful!

Thank goodness because that was the only good place to sit and watch your kids.

Salem Common

Okay. So it has been awhile since I have posted anything. But here is sometehing.

I've mentioned this committee before. It is one that formed to help create a new playground at the Salem Common. Here's the present tot lot:


Simple and clean, old wooden structure with what looks like- appropriately although maybe not be appropriate - a gallow, a slide and some swings. There used to be some wooden benches around that MASSIVE, shady maple tree but they were falling apart and had to take them away. They just recently put in the wood chips. It used to be small stones . . . not the best for mouthy tots.

Anywhoo, the committee is having a raffle on October 30th, with all proceeds to benefit the new playground that they hope to have installed sometime in Spring 2008.

Details:
Ticket cost $20, Drawing will take place at 6 p.m. on October 30 at
the Common. You do not need to be present to win.

First prize: 32" LCD high-def. wall-mountable television
Second prize: 2 nights at the Salem Inn
Third Prize: one year membership to BJ's

Contact Katya for tickets: katyusha@comcast.net

What are the plans for the new playground? I don't know yet but will try and find out.