By Chris Frost
Eagle Times News Editor
CLAREMONT, NH — It was a busy weekend at Barnes Park, Friday, Sept. 29, and Saturday, Sept. 30, as the City of Claremont Parks and Recreation Department replaced the existing playground equipment.
Kiwanis Club of Claremont accepted the project, awarded the department $50,000 and has been involved throughout the structure’s planning process.
Claremont Savings Bank Foundation also awarded a $5,000 grant to the Claremont Parks and Recreation Department to augment the playground project.
Parks and Recreation Director Nicholas Lawrence said everyone made a stellar effort with the entire build-out.
“We have a lot of volunteers here; the Firefighters Association came down yesterday (September 29), and the Kiwanis Club has been here today, as well as countless volunteers,” Lawrence said. “We had about 40 volunteers over two days.”
He said the parks department removed and disposed of the old structures over the past week.
Incoming Kiwanis Club of Claremont President Judy DiPadova said the members worked hard to raise the funds for Barnes Park.
“We donated $50,000 to the play structure,” DiPadova said. “We had a lot of fundraisers and did a lot of hard work to raise the money.”
Kiwanian Tony DiPadova Jr. said the club raises money through the annual Brewfest, plus a bell ringing each winter and auction in the spring.
“We have a big crew, 50 members, and we want to involve the newer members and delegate to them,” he said. “Many hands make light work.”
Tina Coburn brought her grandson Daxton Langner to the park build-out, and he got involved immediately.
“My husband babysits on Mondays and takes them to all the area parks,” Coburn said. “This is one they’ll definitely add to the list. I’ve been with Kiwanis for about seven years, and what we do for the children in this area is incredible.”
Parks & Rec scheduled a ribbon cutting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at Barnes Park.
People who want to join the fun at Kiwanis can contact any member through the group’s Facebook page.
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