The City of Hammond is in the process of constructing an entirely new playground system in its oldest and largest park in the Hammond area, Zemurray Park and is in dire need of volunteers.
The three-level playground and swing set will comprise approximately 3,000 square feet of the park and is being funded through donations, local funds budgeted for park improvements, and the Let’s Play grant that the city was selected to receive in May. City of Hammond Grants Manager, Lacy Landrum, explained the grant in greater detail.  
“The City of Hammond received a $20,000 Let’s Play grant from the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group and the national nonprofit KaBOOM!” said Landrum. “Hammond received the grant after being selected in May as a 2012 Playful City by KaBOOM!”
Let’s Play, Dr. Pepper and KaBOOM! are positioned to aid up to 2,000 playgrounds by the end of 2013 which could eventually benefit roughly five million children.
The present playground within Zemurray Park is said to be under poor conditions and lacking skillful operations, leaving it desperately needing attention and restoration from the city.
“The current playground is worn and extremely small when compared to playgrounds we have in other parks,” said Landrum. “We need a new one that is safe, accessible and interactive for play, creativity and learning.”
With a nearly $80,000 budget, the playground and swing set will provide children with fun and modern play equipment including a rock climbing wall, three slither slides, monkey bars, a twister, a bouncer, a tic-tac-toe board, a drum panel, swinging “lily pods,” four regular swings and two toddler swings. Rubber surfacing beneath the playground will provide for a safe, protective format.
In addition to the playground, a projected toddler area, water zone and dog park will be created once budgetary means are met.
“As funds become available, the city plans to expand the Zemurray playground to include a toddler play space and a splash park,” said Landrum. “A dog park is also planned for the southwest corner of the park.”
Consequently, the city is asking for volunteers to assist in construction. From the duration of April 5-6, the city will host a Community Build Day in Zemurray Park.
“When a community builds a playground together, they become invested in that space,” said Landrum. “Working together on such projects enables people to meet each other, work together, and perhaps even find new ways to work together on future projects.”
Student organizations or students looking to be involved in the city’s Community Build Day can contact the City’s Grants Department at 985-277-5650 or email Lacy Landrum at [email protected].