Scoops for a renovated playground

Sep 21, 2019

Every year, Nana’s Ice Cream and Wareham CORE, a non-profit group dedicated to outdoor recreation in town, work together to turn frozen treats into outdoor fun for Wareham residents and visitors. 

“I think residents are appreciating those fundraisers,” said Nana’s Ice Cream owner, Papa Salerno, who has been hosting annual fundraisers in his shop for the last 30 years. “We are a part of one town, so it’s a nice way to help the community.” 

This Saturday, every single penny of cones sold benefited the Lopes Playground project.

Wareham CORE hopes to renew the baseball diamond and the area surrounding the Lopes Playground to visually improve the space and encourage regular use for practices, games, and tournaments. 

According to the CORE group’s plans, new permanent bases will be installed and the fencing on the backstop will be replaced. Bleachers and benches will be added for spectators. Additional improvements may be possible depending on how much money is raised.

Several updates will be made to the pavilion as well. The roof will be replaced, the existing structure will be sanded and painted, and accessible entrances will be created for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. 

The swing set will be replaced, and the Minot playground structure will be installed to complement the existing playground. Accessible pathways will be created throughout, allowing ground access to all major areas of the playground for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. The pea gravel will be replaced with engineered wood fiber, a material that is safer for falls.

“Our playgrounds are great, but they are not wheelchair accessible for the kids. Our goal is to create an all-inclusive playground,” said volunteer Marie Greig. “The CORE group is committed to supporting outdoor recreation in the town. Our goal is to support all the playgrounds, but we are starting at the Lopes.”

To date, Wareham CORE has collected $71,000 towards the Lopes Playground renovation but needs more money to install accessible pathways. Residents can contribute to the fund via the group’s website at warehamcore.org. For $40, residents can order engraved pickets which will surround the playground. 

On Saturday, September 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the CORE members will gather at the Lopes Park to start cleaning and fixing the playground. The group is searching for more volunteers. Anyone who wishes to help should email warehamcore@gmail.com or reach out through the Facebook group at facebook.com/warehamcore.