Step 4: Construction

In the space of a few days, you and a small army of untrained but enthusiastic volunteers will transform an empty patch of ground into something magnificent: your own community-designed and volunteer-built playground. And it will belong to every member of the community in a way that nothing else does. Volunteers of all ages and skill levels will work side by side, sharing in the community-built experience. Leathers’ construction consultants, along with volunteer construction captains from the community, will oversee quality and efficiently lead hundreds of volunteers. Community members will come and go as their schedules permit, working anywhere from a few hours to all five (or more) days. The food committee provides food to keep your volunteers happy and strong, while the childcare committee will care for children to allow parents to participate.

As the last pieces of your structure go into place — after several intense days of cutting and drilling and hoisting and joining — your community will be a place forever changed. People will have a renewed sense of commitment to each other, and their pride and enthusiasm will be tangible. On the final day of construction, your community and its children will celebrate with a grand opening party, where there will be hugging, cheering, laughing, and probably a few tears.