Paducah Playground Progresses, Tools Still Needed

The Paducah Health Park's "skyline" is already emerging from the first full day of volunteer work.

Construction began Monday morning on a new playground in Paducah, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Paducah. The new $200,000 playground at 13th Street and Martin Luther King Drive will include a 4,000 square foot play area that will feature a rope wall, rock wall, along with a variety of castles, swings, slides and monkey bars for children of all ages and abilities.

Volunteers numbering from 50 to 70 are coming together for 4-hour shifts three times a day, and Rotary Club president John Williams says anyone else can still drop by the site, and they'll be put to work. Construction is expected to be completed by this Sunday.

Volunteer Coordinator Glen Anderson says skilled laborers are still needed to work on the project. "We are tremendously grateful for all our volunteers who have made this happen. We would like to put out a call for skilled carpenters, builders, etc though.  We are thin in that area and could really use some carpentry talent." Anderson said. 

Some tools are still needed for the project, you can see a complete list or find out how to help at www.paducahrotaryplayground.com.

Here are the most-needed tools as the project continues:

   2- steel digging bars
   5- quick clamps with 7" or larger opening
   3- pipe clamps 4-8 feet long
   8- drills 3/8" variable speed, reversible, with chuck keys and 2 batteries and charger (if cordless)
  22- impact drills 3/8" variable speed, reversible
  10- electrical splitters (2 or 3-way)
  1- extension ladder 24' long or more
  3- levels, 48" long or more, some 24" long acceptable
  3- routers 
  5- shovels, long handled spades preferred
 14- speed squares 6"
  6- wheel barrows

Anderson said work on the playground will continue, rain or shine.