Kids Castle June 2013 Update

What is the current status of Kids Castle as of June 2013?  

The Friends of Kids Castle community group was formed in the fall of 2012 to create a plan to save this iconic landmark. After much discussion and input was taken from the community, a three-phase plan was adopted. 

Phase I: Refurbish the Castle’s interior, power wash and stain exterior, remove old equipment, and install new double racing slides. Launched November 2012. Total Funds needed: $150,000

• This phase has already begun and the goal is to complete this work sometime in late July or August 2013 if the $150,000 fundraising goal is met. Kids Castle will remain closed during this period. 

• With the help from local engineering firms, the site plan for the castle was approved. These plans required substantial reviews of the castle structure as well as grading of the surrounding land/playground in order to meet the latest building

• The castle has been power washed and stained, and the flooring replaced. All of the interior ladders were remade as an Eagle Scout project. Made of highly engineered wood, these ladders and the new steel cargo netting boxes in the floors of the castle await installation.

• The large green slide has been removed as well as all of the playground equipment that accessed the entrances to the castle. Concrete footings have been poured, ready for new playground equipment and decking (including a new 7-foot slide) that will give children lots of new fun ways to get in and out of the castle.

• Two new 30-foot-high “racing slides” have been ordered and are on the grounds of the castle ready to be installed.

• Because of safety reasons, all the surrounding playground equipment, except for the swing sets, have been removed awaiting Phase II.

• All the artwork from the entire playground has been removed and repainted by many schools and organizations in the community. It will be reapplied to the interior and exterior of the castle.

• There is a new Royal Family and a new mascot, Devlin the Dragon, coming to the castle for the reopening.

Total Funds raised, $123,283.49.
We still need to raise $26,716.51 to complete the castle restoration according to the Phase 1 plan. Please note that the monetary figures are as of this writing. 

Phase II: Install new playground equipment surrounding Kids Castle. Estimated Fundraising Launch, Fall 2013. Total funds needed: $300,000

• Due to safety concerns and new playground equipment requirements, all surrounding playground equipment has already been removed.

• New playground equipment will be installed with maintenance-free, nontoxic, and recycled materials with input from community children. The plans include the installation of 3-4 large pieces of equipment, and will replace the aging swing sets that will need to be replaced in 2014. The equipment will be handicapped accessible, and include a pirate ship activity center.

 • A brick legacy/fundraising walkway with murals will be added.

• A pour and play surface will replace all the mulch except for inside the castle.

This surface is important because it allows for the inclusion of children of all abilities.

Total funds needed: $300,000 required by June 2014.

This phase will not be completed until we have all of the necessary funds, so this date is subject to change.

Phase III: Restrooms, pavilion, snack stand. Estimated Launch, 2015. Total funds needed: $100,000

• The final phase includes construction of nearby family-friendly bathrooms and a pavilion/snack stand. This is likely the number one feature requested by parents and sponsorship opportunities are available.

• This phase, including the fundraising portion, will not begin until or after we complete Phase II.

Questions and concerns:

If you are concerned about the closing of Kids Castle, have questions about the timeline, or would like to know how you can help Save Kids Castle, there are several online resources: 

SaveKidsCastle.org: The Friends of Kids Castle website. You will find updated information about the project, including opening and closing dates for each phase.  

Facebook.com/groups/SaveKidsCastle: Additional information regarding the people and organizations committed to making Kids Castle remain a part of the community 

Twitter.com/SaveKidsCastle: Follow Kids Castle on Twitter for up-to-date information. 

SaveKidsCastle@gmail.com: Contact information.

Please join and support the Save Kids Castle initiative. All donations of money, volunteer time, talent and goods or services are welcomed. No gift is too big or too small to Help Save Kids Castle. Please visit www.SaveKidsCastle.org for more information.