There is no rest for the Mexico Area Family YMCA.

Recently, it began a project to build a playground, and thanks to Consolidated Electric, the process started last week.

“Youth development is an essential pillar of what the YMCA is all about,” Brooke Jameson, executive director for the Mexico YMCA, said. “We strive to constantly evolve to meet the needs of kids in our community. We recognize that youth learn through play, so the need to provide a safe and inclusive outdoor recreational space for even our youngest members has been a priority for many years.

“With the forward thinking of our Childcare Director, Samantha Wilson, we started researching grant opportunities that could help make this dream a reality.”

Longtime YMCA supporters Jack Creason and Don Decker helped Jameson and the YMCA get the ball rolling last summer.

“By July, we had a design selected and a fundraising goal identified,” Jameson said. “Total project costs are estimated to come in at $225,000. A major portion of this total cost is the poured in place rubber surfacing which is the industry best for playground surfacing in terms of safety, maintenance and durability.

“Once the installer comes, it will take just a few days to erect the playground. Next, a fence is installed, and then the rubber surfacing. Lastly, we will build a sidewalk connecting the playground entrance to the East side of the building. We anticipate opening the playground for use this fall.”

The design includes play features that are appropriate for all ages and stages of development. ADA walkways, safety surfacing and swing sensory play and seating areas are included in the plans.

It also will introduce the “six crucial elements (sensory, swinging, climbing, sliding, spinning and balancing) for a full body workout according to industry best standards,” the YMCA press release said.

Pouring-in-place rubber surfacing is specifically designed to be extremely shock-absorbent and is ADA-compliant. The playground surfacing material is made out of recycled scrap tires - diverting nearly 18 hours from a landfill.
All YMCA members will have access to the playground during scheduled time and there will be rental opportunities for parties and events.

The motivation behind the project was to simply add more for area kids to embrace while taking in programs the YMCA has to offer.

“We have around 50 students in our summer day camp program, and 26 in our afterschool program who will use the playground daily,” Jameson said. “Additionally, we host numerous sports camps throughout the year. The playground will be available to members at scheduled times for open play and rentals.

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve our membership by offering a safe and inclusive area to play outside. If even one child has positive memories of playing at our site, then we have made a difference.”

Jameson noted the assistance of many individuals, clubs, foundations and civic organizations who have made donations to help push the project forward.