Dozens of children with parents and grandparents gathered at Silvermont Park last week in support of a proposed new playground there.

“Our goal of this play date was to raise awareness of the Silvermont Park renovation effort and to raise money for the proposed new playground,” says Heather Layton, an organizer of the April 4 gathering of about 100.

Kiwi Gelato donated its proceeds from the afternoon’s sale of gelato to the proposed Silvermont playground. Other donations for silent auction items came from individuals and from businesses including The Hub, Sports Spot, Duckpond Pottery, Jenny Cartee Pottery and Soul Blossom Artistry, Flow Skin Care and Massage, Through the Woods Natural Health, 336 Exchange and Transylvania County Tennis.

The play date raised over $400. “It really was confirmation for me that a playground at Silvermont is needed and will be well-loved,” said Jessica Ibarguen, another organizer of the event. “At one point kids were climbing on the dumpster! Someone suggested I take a picture and make note that these kids really do need something to climb on.”

Another play date is planned for Friday, April 11, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., when donated silent auction items also will be available. All children with parents and grandparents are welcome.

A new playground is the first of many grounds improvements planned for Silvermont Park, as part of a strategic plan developed by the Silvermont Centennial Committee. Last month, Transylvania County Commissioners voted to allocate $25,000 as a challenge to the committee to raise an additional $25,000 in matching funds for a new playground.

The committee has raised just over half that amount. “Donations are coming in daily, and we hope everyone will help meet the match by Mother’s Day,” says Jeannie Falknor, co-chair of the committee.
“We are excited that parents of young children organized this play date as a way to get the word out,” says Falknor. “And we hope grandparents will join in the effort to provide a modern and safe playground at Silvermont for all the children of our community, and for visiting grandchildren.”

Layton added that “those attending learned a lot about the exciting renovations to this long-time community jewel. And our kids had fun imagining a new playground on the site.”

Donations to the playground can be made online at http://www.silvermont.org or by mailing a check to: Transylvania County Historical Society, c/o Gene Baker, 50 Ridgewood Place , Brevard, NC 28712. Please note in your check memo line: “Silvermont Playground.”