Rotary makes $50K challenge for new KidsUp! playground

June 29, 2019 10:30 am
An artist’s drawing of the proposed KidsUp! playground. (Image courtesy of KidsUp!)
An artist’s drawing of the proposed KidsUp! playground. (Image courtesy of KidsUp!)

The KidsUp! campaign has launched a summer-long fund drive for donations and sponsorships to guarantee that construction of the playground at Battle Point Park begins in early 2020.

The Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island has offered the campaign a $50,000 challenge grant, which will be bestowed if KidsUp! can also raise $50,000 in new donations by Sept. 30.

“Double your donation, double the fun,” said Curt Thomas, chairman of the KidsUp! Volunteer Committee. “Every dollar you give to the KidsUp! playground campaign this summer will be matched by Bainbridge Rotary as we meet their generous $50,000 challenge.”

Tax-deductible gifts to the playground campaign to meet the Rotary challenge can be made through the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation at www.kidsup.fun.

Also new: the KidsUp! Sponsorship Catalog, which gives families and businesses yet another way to support the playground by sponsoring a specific play feature. Options range from swings and spinners, to the Lookout Pier and centerpiece “Ferry Boat” play structure.

Playground sponsorships range from $2,000 to $35,000, depending on the play feature.

“Sponsoring a play feature is great way for community groups, businesses, even whole neighborhoods to put their stamp on the new playground,” Thomas said. “Sponsor a swing set. Sponsor a slide, or the Trike Track. There are fun options at every level.”

KidsUp! The Next Generation of Play will replace the island’s beloved but worn-out playground at Battle Point Park with new and larger “destination” playground, fully accessible to kids of all abilities and ages and with many new features.

Phase One playground construction, including everything but the Ferry Boat play structure, is estimated at $300,000. Reaching $50,000 in new contributions this summer to earn the Rotary match will hit that mark.

“It’s a big campaign and a doable one, with the island’s resources, creativity and support for our kids,” said Lisa Sheffer, development director for the parks foundation. “With Bainbridge Rotary’s amazing challenge grant and so much enthusiasm, we know we’ll get there.”

To make a tax-deductible donation to KidsUp! The Next Generation Play, see www.kidsup.fun or www.biparksfoundation.org. Local businesses or community groups interested in sponsoring a play feature can email lisa@biparksfoundation.org.