Pittsfield doesn't have a playground, but some people are trying to change that.
Otterbein United Methodist Church Director of Children's Ministry Angie Bojaczko said most of the people working towards that goal are members of the church. The church has reached an agreement with the Pittsfield Township Supervisors to lease a piece of property next to the church for the playground location at the corner of Dalrymple and Prospect streets, she said.
"It's been years since we had one," Bojaczko said. "There used to be one at the elementary school and Friendship Field."
Now, Bojaczko said the closest playground is probably the one at Youngsville Elementary/Middle School. Organizers of the project have visited other playgrounds in the county, she said, and they liked the one at Warren Area Elementary Center.
The group has not picked out specific playground equipment, Bojaczko said, but it will likely include a zip-line and swings. Costs will run around $70,000 for the playground. The church will assume responsibility for ongoing maintenance, she said, including repairs to fences along the road and the rubber on the ground.
The group has raised funds during the past two or three years, Bojaczko said, and has around $7,500 saved. Fundraisers have included the sale of Easter candy and an elementary bash with a band, children's games and snacks.
Next, Bojaczko said the organizers will hold a submarine sandwich sale to coincide with the first day of trout fishing season from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 14. There will be ham and turkey sandwiches for sale at Otterbein UMC, 258 Dalrymple Street.
Walk-ins will be accepted, Bojaczko said, and orders can be made in advance by contacting her at oumckids@gmail.com. There will be free coffee and WiFi available at the church until 1 p.m. on that day as well.
Most of the group's fundraisers have earned around $500 each, Bojaczko said, so that would be a good amount for the sandwich sale. By next summer, she said the group wants the playground to open.
"If someone wanted to hand over the money tomorrow, we'd do it this summer," Bojaczko said.