Whether it’s “Gazebo” or “Castle” Park to you, the green space at the intersection of Greenwood and Columbia Avenues in Hopewell Borough is a favorite destination for local kids, thanks to the Hopewell Borough Playground Project (HBPP) efforts ten years ago.
Whether it’s “Gazebo” or “Castle” Park to you, the green space at the intersection of Greenwood and Columbia Avenues in Hopewell Borough is a favorite destination for local kids for ten years, thanks to an amazing playground and determined volunteers. This Saturday, June 22, join the community to celebrate the playground’s 10th Anniversary from 12pm to 2pm at Hopewell Park.
Beginning in 2008, the Hopewell Borough Playground Project (HBPP) was the inspiration and organization behind two new playgrounds in Hopewell Borough: one near the gazebo in Hopewell Park for 5-12 year olds and one at the historic train station for 2-5 year olds.
Hundreds of community volunteers were instrumental in the final product. Even the logo was a community-effort. Featured on the flyer below, the artwork by Natalie Brodine, then a 10-year old student at Bear Tavern Elementary School, was the winner of an area-wide elementary school design contest held by the Hopewell Borough Playground Project (HBPP).
“So many people came together from all over. We had teams of volunteers from big corporations and skilled labor from most of the local builders working alongside friends and neighbors. Some folks gave muscle, some gave money. Every bit made a difference,” said co-founder of HBPP, Rachel Webster. “The children created tiles, designed the t-shirts, and worked along-side their mothers and fathers to make the playgrounds a reality.”
The Childrens Committee burying a time capsule below the pirate ship. 
Hopewell Mayor Paul Anzano leads a team of volunteers hauling an 8 foot by 8 foot heavy beam for the new playground at Hopewell Park. Mayor Anzano is one of 10 construction captains responsible for supervising groups of volunteers.
On Saturday, June 22, the community will gather to celebrate the achievement and plan for the two playgrounds’ future upkeep.
“The playgrounds, like most 10 year olds, are semi-independent at this point, but still need a helping hand from time to time,” Webster said. “They have held up well, but there is a need for some re-staining, painting, and other maintenance work. On Saturday, there will be opportunities to sign-up for park maintenance (to be performed on a later date) and donations to the Park Trust will be accepted as well.”
“Ten years later, I am still in awe of what was accomplished,” Webster shared. “It feels very much like watching the baby you gave birth to turn ten. I am incredibly proud — of the playgrounds themselves, but also of the many people who played a part. The inscription on the donor plaque still holds true for me today:
Many heartfelt thanks to the hundreds and hundreds of dedicated volunteers and generous donors who worked tirelessly to make these playgrounds a reality. The completion of these one-of-a-kind playgrounds epitomizes the strong community spirit that is special to Hopewell.”
Bring your own seating, blankets, and/or chairs, and enjoy music, slideshow, and some birthday-fare on Saturday, June 22, at the 10th Anniversary Party from 12pm to 2pm at Hopewell Park. (Rain date: June 23)
