Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was the Blish Park Playscape Built?
The Blish Park Playscape was built in May of 1989 by volunteers from the Town of Marlborough.
It was the culmination of over a year's worth of planning and fundraising by a very dedicated
core group of volunteers who raised over $50,000 to purchase the wood. Most of the other
materials were donated, as was the food to feed all the volunteers who came to build.
The construction of the original Playscape was completed - start to finish - in five days.
2. Will the Playscape be replaced or taken down?
No. The Playscape will be renovated to bring it up to today's building codes and standards.
The estimate to replace the same size playscape would be approximately $250,000.
3. Is it structurally safe?
Yes. The architectural firm of Robert Leathers and Associates, the original designer
of the Playscape, conducted an assessment of the structure in November of 2006, and
found it to be in excellent structural condition.
4. What will be done to the Playscape to bring it up to today's standards?
The Playscape will be power washed, all vertical wood surfaces will be sealed with
a clear plastic polymer coating, and all decking will be covered and/or replaced
with a composite material, such as Trex. In addition, the entire area will be brought
up to today's building codes and standards and made ADA compliant. The renovation
will extend the life of the Playscape for 10-15 additional years.
5. How much will the renovation cost?
The renovation will cost approximately $50,000 without the expansion of the Toddler Area.
The cost of the Toddler Area will be determined at the completion of the design.
6. Where will the funding come from?
The majority of the funding will come from fundraising and donations. The Town of
Marlborough has awarded funding for part of the renovation through the budget process,
but fundraising will be the major source of the funding for the project.
7. Will the renovation include expansion of the Toddler Area?
Yes. We are still in the design stage of this area and will depend on how much money
we can raise to fund this important part of the project.
8. When will the renovation happen?
The construction build for this renovation is scheduled for April 30 to May 4, 2008.
9. What's next?
Some minor repairs and powerwashing will be done this fall. The Playscape will be
closed in early September 2007 for this work to be started and will remain "off-line"
until the renovation is completed in May 2008.
10. What is needed for this project?
VOLUNTEERS!! VOLUNTEERS!! VOLUNTEERS!!
The need for volunteers remains our biggest challenge. Volunteers for various committees is crucial to the success of the construction weekend. Much preparation and ground work is being done now but we are still looking for volunteers for the build weekend. Please consider volunteering for this very special project. Help in all areas are needed: fundraising, food, materials, tools, volunteers for the build weekend, and child care. If you want to volunteer or donate, please see the Volunteer and Donate page for more information.
Contact Barbara Lazzari, Chairman, Marlborough Park & Recreation Commission and General Coordinator for the Blish Park Playscape Renovation Committee at 798-6000 with any questions.