A group of Elk Grove volunteers is planning to construct a "sprayground" and playground at an East Franklin park this summer.
The community group, CSD Playground Partners, has been working with the Cosumnes Community Services District on the 15,000-square-foot project for Morse Community Park, which is being built at Bellaterra and Fire Poppy drives.
The sprayground will be the first in the district. Jets of water will erupt from various hydraulic gadgets but drain as soon as the water hits the ground.
Kristie Rivera, co-chairwoman for CSD Playground Partners, said construction on 30-acre Morse Park had to reach a certain point before the community building project could be scheduled.
Her group estimates that it will take four days for 400 to 450 volunteers to build the playground, with 100 volunteers working each day, Rivera said.
Building is tentatively planned for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekends of June 21-22 and June 28-29.
"Anyone who can follow directions can help us build," Rivera said.
Volunteers are needed to help construct the playground, clean up, serve lunch and distribute beverages. Individual volunteers must be at least 18.
Baja Burrito, Mr. Pickles, Little Caesars Pizza, Chick-fil-A and Nugget Market are donating food for the volunteers. Coca-Cola and Shasta are providing soft drinks, while River City Bank is donating water, Rivera said.
The sprayground will be professionally installed, while volunteers will be tapped to build the playground. It will include a play area for older children and a tot lot, Rivera said.
Organizers for the community-led project began the effort about three years ago, raising $300,000 of the $350,000 fundraising goal.
"When you help do something, and help create and build a project, it creates ownership," Rivera said. "It's something that you become part of."
Morse Park was chosen for the project because of its size and because it's a community park that will serve residents from a large area.
Other park features include soccer, softball and baseball fields, a dog park, a bocce ball court, skate elements and an exercise path. A future community center also is scheduled to be built there.
Construction on the park began last summer. It is scheduled to open in August, said district spokesman Steve Capps.
To volunteer for the playground project, go to the group's Web site at: www.elkgroveplaygrounds.com.
For more information, contact Rivera at 8riveras@comcast.net or volunteer coordinator Lisa Brown at (916) 685-0931.
Call The Bee's Sandy Louey, (916) 478-2654.
