The wait is finally over!  After approximately 5 years of fundraising, Zanesville United Methodist (ZUM) Church now has a new, modern playground installed.  A foreman and a crew of ZUM volunteers set up the equipment on August, 9, 2006.  The playground features 3 slides, 2 rock climbing walls, various ladders, and a cross-over wall.  It can accommodate up to 30 younger children at a time.  In the future, it is planned to add several small pieces including a balance beam as additional funds become available.

The playground is a great addition to the facilities at ZUM as it will support the ministries and outreach programs sponsored by the church.  The playground will be open for use during Upward practices and games for smaller children to enjoy.  During the school year, it will be open for the children attending preschool at ZUM.  Access will be limited during all other times.

The church was able to pay for the equipment without taking on any additional debt.  Funds were raised through personalized paving brick sales, bake sales, Sunday school class donations, fish fry events, gift certificate sales (a.k.a. scrip), and Men’s Group donations. For everyone who participated, volunteered, or donated, thank you.  A special thank you also goes out to those who helped install the equipment.  What a blessing you all are!  God continues to provide for ways to address the needs of our community.

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT TASK FORCE UPDATE, August 2007.

Additional pieces for the playground have been ordered. We will have a “Buck-A-Bout” which is a teeter totter on a spring. We also have coming two race cars also mounted on a spring. These should be installed in the next couple of months.