West Shore Playground to Receive Makeover

Last year, Ben Kramer, now a kindergartner, could play on the playground equipment without a worry.

He could climb, slide and have fun being a kid.

Just a year later, his younger brother, preschooler Ian, can go outside and play on that same playground, but he can’t use any of the equipment.

That’s because the state changed specifications and school officials determined the playground equipment wasn't geared toward preschoolers.

"They see other kids playing on it, and that's the hard part. These poor kids," said Ann Warner, Lake Fenton preschool director. "We never had the equipment preschool certified, and we want to make sure we had equipment that met the specifications for young children."

A group called the Development by Playing Committee, made up of parents and school officials, worked together to purchase a piece of playground equipment so Ian and his preschool classmates can have as much fun outside as the older students.

The structure will include slides, a small rock-climbing wall, poles and steps.

“I think it will mean a lot to them to have their own area,” said Ginger Kramer, Ben and Ian’s mother, who is on the Development by Playing Committee. “Ian knows his older brother got to play on the equipment last year.”

It’s taken nine months of planning, numerous meetings and a lot of fundraising, but now the group is ready to put the piece in place.

Initially parents were asked for donations, and then the school sold $1,500 worth of candy grams on holidays.

They need a little more assistance to install the piece and remodel the playground. The group is looking for volunteers to help with the efforts on Saturday.  They are looking for people to help in one of three shifts, 7-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. or 2-6 p.m. Call Warner at 810-591-6302 for more information.

“Even if people can come by for an hour or two to help out, that would be great,” Kramer said.

The group is also looking for donations of cement, bottled water, paper plates and napkins.

The revitalization of the playground will continue this summer, as will visit at the end of June to plant trees, flowers and install a couple of benches.

A grand opening of the refurbished playground is scheduled for the fall.