Whimsical Payton's Place Playground Need Community Support
Eighteen-month-old Payton Watson loved playing barefoot in the playground in the Grant-Valkaria Community Park.
“She enjoyed exploring the surroundings, picking up pine cones and sticks,” said her mom, Jessica.
The playground was intended for older children, but that did not deter Payton from having a great time. Mother Nature’s children were all around the approximately 40 acres that comprise the community park of this south Brevard County town. Seeing a flower was a reason for Payton to celebrate, as were watching passing butterflies.
When the toddler unexpectedly passed away last year, her parents channeled the grief of losing their only child by honoring her memory in a project that would benefit children who, like Payton, enjoyed the Grant-Valkaria playground.
“We began collecting donations from friends and family to add toddler playground equipment in her honor,” explained Jessica.
Donations from friends and family poured in and Tim and Jessica Watson soon realized that Payton’s Place, the name they gave the project, was destined to grow in scope.
“In considering the creative direction and theme for the playground, we were concerned the new toddler playground design would overshadow the existing playground and create a disconnected feel,” Jessica said. “To create a more cohesive playground, our project has expanded from not just a toddler play space, but includes redesigning the layout to now also include a 2-to-5-year-old area, a musical and sensory section, and an upgraded big kids’ space.”
Drawing inspiration from the Mikey Goodwin Playground at Indialantic’s Nance Park, the Watsons reached out to Play by Design, which custom designs and helps orchestrate community-built playgrounds.
The company is respectful of the community’s individual historical, natural and architectural characteristics, and develops projects with a volunteer base in mind. The vision for this play space blends seamlessly with the Grant-Valkaria’s rural roots:
”A child enters a shady green pine forest, meandering around tree trunks, her feet shuffle through brown pine needles. Lacy shadows dance through the canopy, twinkling softly as she explores. She wanders into earthen fairy playhouses and along sensory pathways, playing musical instruments and collecting pine cones and flowers along the way. Caregivers watch from the picket-fenced perimeter that facilitates exploration in a safe, contained space. As she explores, she gains a deep understanding of not only herself but the magic and wonder of the world around her. This is Payton's Playspace.”
The playground will not only include a toddler play space, but it will also encompass a “big kid” area, so all children can enjoy the experience.
Playground equipment is not inexpensive, since it must be sturdy and safe and able to withstand years of use and weather.
“It has to be installed so it is safe and it has to survive the elements, and that is before we talk about the surfaces and the signage needed,” Jessica said.
The Watsons faced serious sticker shock when they started pricing equipment, and even though they had raised $50,000, which the town of Grant-Valkaria agreed to match, $100,000 is not enough to make Payton’s Place a reality and the couple is turning to the community for help.
Payton’s Place will be a volunteer community build, and hands and hearts ready to work are needed. So is about $150,000 more, which the Watsons hope to raise, along with the phalanx of volunteers needed to make the playground a reality.
Regardless of experience, volunteers will be put to good use.
“We need people who can use tools, as well as others,” said Jessica, who added that anyone who signs up to volunteer will be given a job according to skills, whether it be using power tools to coordinating child care for the other volunteers.
Payton’s Place will be built in a week (date TBD), with 12-hour shifts that utilize volunteers who sign up for four-hour shifts.
Tim and Jessica run Up the Creek, a Valkaria site of many a wedding. They plan to organize a fundraiser there, but could use help in orchestrating it. Any help will not only be greatly appreciated but also is tax-deductible.
“There are opportunities for sponsorships, monetary and materials donations, and volunteers needed in preparation for build week and of course during build week,” Jessica said. “We are looking for additional monetary donations to bring us closer to our goal of $250,000. This playground is being built entirely by the community's volunteers, and they are all incredibly enthusiastic and eager to see this venture succeed.”
Grant-Valkaria Community Park
Home to Town Hall, the 39.45-acre community park includes pavilions, restrooms and a playground connected by a concrete walkway. More than 100 Google reviews praise the complex for its cleanliness, shade and usability.
Learn more on Payton’s Place
paytonsplayspace.orggvplaygroundproject@gmail.com
Facebook: /paytonsplayspace
Instagram: @paytons_playspace
321-951-1380
linktr.ee/paytonsplayspace
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