© 2012 Topsfield Playground Committee
© Ellen Greely
Projects
TPC is a non-profit organization whose sole goal is to coordinate the funding and construction of playground areas in the town of Topsfield, Massachusetts.
Phase I was installed in October 2009 on the property of the Proctor Elementary School - a full 6 months ahead of schedule! Over the years the condition of the previous Proctor playground structure had deteriorated, leading first to the removal of several parts of equipment, then to the extended closure in Spring 2008 for repairs. Finally, in September 2008, a decision was made to close the playground during school hours due to safety concerns for its 300 students.
The second half of the project was to replace the existing “Tot Lot”, adjacent to the school, with a new Community Park, now called the Grove Street Park. This portion of the playground was completed Fall 2010 and is open the general public at all times. It serves the needs of a wide range of ages from toddler up (ages 2-12), as well as provides a pleasant and safe environment for family outings and picnics.
Going forth we plan to address the need for safe and challenging playground equipment at the Steward Elementary School.
Phase I was installed in October 2009 on the property of the Proctor Elementary School -
The second half of the project was to replace the existing “Tot Lot”, adjacent to the school, with a new Community Park, now called the Grove Street Park. This portion of the playground was completed Fall 2010 and is open the general public at all times. It serves the needs of a wide range of ages from toddler up (ages 2-
Going forth we plan to address the need for safe and challenging playground equipment at the Steward Elementary School.
About the Topsfield Playground Committee
History
The origins of the Topsfield Playground Committee (TPC) can be traced back to an idea that took hold during a Topsfield Educational Foundation (TEF) meeting during the spring of 2008. TEF members voted to consider the replacement of the Proctor School Playground as a project for TEF. After researching the potential cost and scope of the project and adding the “Tot Lot” playground into the project, TEF decided that the playground replacement was not truly aligned with their foundation’s purpose and decided to create the TPC. Several TEF members then became the first TPC members in the Fall of 2008. TPC was incorporated in Massachusetts on January 1, 2009 and the IRS has determined that TPC is exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The TPC consists of parents concerned that their children had no safe place to play in the town of Topsfield and upset that the Proctor School students (age range 9-12 years) were unable to engage in challenging, physical daily activity, at a time in their development when it is so important. Both the “Tot Lot” and the Proctor playground, which had been closed to students, are located in the heart of Topsfield close to Main Street with its popular library, restaurants and Village shopping center, and are fully accessible to the public. Therefore, we strongly believe that this two phase project - completed Fall 2009 and Fall 2010 - addressed the needs of the overall Topsfield community by providing a recreational place in the downtown area. It is also important to point out that this downtown park area is the only town playground for the 6,200 residents of Topsfield.
The TPC consists of parents concerned that their children had no safe place to play in the town of Topsfield and upset that the Proctor School students (age range 9-
Members
The current board members are as follows:
Our Mission
The Topsfield Playground Committee is organized for the charitable and educational purposes of raising funds to provide fun, safe, accessible, and physically challenging play areas for the community of Topsfield, Massachusetts.
|
Individual Name |
Title |
|
Carol Devellian | |
|
Meredith Massaro | |
|
Sarah Guido |
Treasurer |
|
Peter Harris |
Secretary |
|
Karen Duval |
Director |
|
Glen Gollrad |
Director |