Cash, volunteers needed for Dream Park build

Published 11:59 pm Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Organizers of a civic project planned for next weekend need just a little more help to make a dream come true.

The renovation and expansion of the Dream Park located on the Andalusia campus of LBWCC is the civic project planned for the city’s Homecoming 2010 celebration.

The 1,200 square-foot addition will showcase a handicapped-accessible swing that can hold up to four wheelchairs or eight able-bodied children. Plans also include the addition of 20 other “components” such as aground-level mirror maze and a rock wall.

Project organizer Kristy White said the group needs $10,328 to finalize component purchases and $4,858 for the expansion.

“Our goal was to raise $55,000 for new components and $56,000 for new rubber tire surfacing,” White said. “This is where we are. Cash or check donations can be made payable to City of Andalusia – Dream Park, and can be dropped off at Superior Bank, LBW, or Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce.”

The group sold personalized handprints and fence pickets to individuals as part of its fundraising efforts.

“We are sold out,” White said.

The Dream Park build is set to begin a week from today, at 7 a.m. on Wed., Oct. 20, and continue through Sun., Oct. 24. Volunteers are still needed.

“Specifically, we need construction captains, to oversee and instruct crews and help maintain quality,” White said.

Captains take care of the details that make working on a project fun, safe, and productive, she said. Five volunteers are needed to fill these roles for four days.

“People skills are more important than carpentry skills, and men and women are needed.”

So far, 250 volunteers have signed up to work next week. Organizers would like to enlist the help of about 700 more. The project has been planned with work for 20 to 40 volunteers on each shift. Shifts are 8 a.m. until noon, 12:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., and 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on each day.

“We need a total of 968 volunteers,” White said.

Volunteers may sign up by sending an email to co-chairman Lisa Patterson at lbp@lbwcc.edu, or on the Dream Park website at www.dreamparkandalusia.org, or by completing a volunteer form at the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce or at WAAO.

In addition, tools are still needed for the project. Tool commitments (loans) can be made by calling White 334-881-2246 or sending her an email at kwhite@lbwcc.edu. A complete list of needed tools is available on the group’s Web site, and on The Star-News’ Web site.