For Immediate Release
September 19th, 2023
Better Places Crowdfunding campaign launched for “Coventry Playground Renovation Project”
$20,000 goal to receive a 2:1 matching grant through DHCD’s Better Places program
COVENTRY, Vt. – Coventry residents and children will soon be able to enjoy a safe, entertaining, and fun playground thanks to a recently launched crowdfunding campaign. The campaign is sponsored by the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development’s Better Places program and is led by Coventry SPICE, the Coventry Village School's Parent Teacher Organization.
“Access to safe and fun playgrounds are essential to the health, well-being, and growth of all children and ultimately contributes to the prosperity of every family and every community,” said Department of Housing and Community Development Commissioner Josh Hanford. “The improvements being made to the Coventry Village School playground will enable this essential piece of community infrastructure to enhance the lives of Coventry residents and their children for years to come.”
If the campaign reaches its $20,000 goal by November 5th, 2023 the “Coventry Playground Renovation Project” will receive a matching grant of $40,000 from DHCD’s Better Places program.
Click HERE for project details and to DONATE.
In the Fall of 2022, the Coventry Village School playground was inspected, and it was discovered that most of the equipment was no longer safe and is either in need of repairs or replacement. Over the summer, many of these items had to be removed from the playground, making it very sparse. Coventry SPICE has made some smaller purchases of swings, a new gaga pit, and an inclusive ADA swing to get the school through until the new playground can be installed. Now, the school needs the community’s full support and generosity to replace the larger items.
“To be a potential recipient of the Better Places grant is humbling,” said Brittany Marquette, Coventry SPICE President. “With this funding, we will be able to provide a safe, updated, and fun space for not only the children of Coventry Village School but the Community as a whole.” The funds raised and the matching grant will go towards the purchase of a whole range of updated playground amenities, from a giant sit and spin to a brand-new typhoon slide so Coventry children have a beautiful, functional, and safe playground to learn, explore, and grow.”
“The impact that the Better Places grant will have on the community of Coventry is colossal,” said Jaime Stenger, the School Board Chair for Coventry Village School. “This grant allows us to upgrade and keep safe the only playground in the Village and offer a place for children and their families to gather and play.”
Residents, businesses, and neighbors ready to support the new playground at the Coventry Village School are encouraged to get involved and support this project now. Learn more and donate here.
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