Throughout Southbridge, we hear the echo of children and youth saying, “Don’t forget about us — we need a safe place to play, and we need something to do!”
And in survey after survey, there’s a recurring theme as well, one we can no longer neglect: In our neighborhood, there are not enough supervised activities and safe places for our kids.
What do we do?
At Neighborhood House, we’ve been intentional about listening to our community and keeping their hopes and dreams in focus. They are the reason we’re here. We listen so that we can learn. But also so that we can act.
At a time when our neighborhood needs better, safer recreational space, we also have a great need of our own. It’s no coincidence that what Southbridge has been asking for in survey after survey, we have identified as absolutely critical in order for Neighborhood House to expand.
You see, part of our vision is to open a preschool for 4- and 5-year-old children. But according to Delaware’s Office of Childcare and Licensing, that would require a playground. Without it, the gap in service remains — no playground, no preschool. But we cannot accept that outcome, and that’s why I’m writing to you today.
It’s our dream to transform a vacant lot near our community center into a place where children and youth can learn, grow, and have fun. But when I type "how to build a playground" into a search engine, the results are incomplete. And that's because Google's algorithm can't factor in the most crucial element in bringing a project like this to life: you.
Google can tell me where to buy slides and swings. It can even show me a list of installers. But it doesn't know that creating a space like the one we envision for 512 South Claymont Street is not the kind of thing we can accomplish alone.
To build a playground for Southbridge, we need your help.
By supporting the Neighborhood House Playground Project, you make a way for play in a community eager for safe, supervised activities that are fun for children and youth.
We’re ready to bring this project to life — to build a playground and open a preschool — but we can't do it without your help. Please give today, knowing what your generosity will make possible.
Together, let's turn a vacant lot into something beautiful!
For Southbridge,
Ms. Alison Windle
Executive Director
P.S. If you'd like to make a donation to the playground project, click here.