April 8, 2003 – Despite appearances to the contrary, the Dorothea Tot Lot is not yet ready to receive players. In a few short weeks — about six since the renovation kicked off — a group of volunteers organized by the Northside Civic Organization has transformed the abandoned, derelict North Side property into the playground it was intended to be. (See "Tot lot renovation kicks off Saturday".)
But before the first child gets to soar on the swing set or climb on the colorful jungle gym, some final details remain to be completed, and the area is still a construction site and unsafe for children.
According to volunteer Brian Grimshaw, a wall needs to be built to keep cars out of the playground area. "We are going to paint lines where the cars can park," he said, and other painting needs to be done, too.
"We're going to paint lines on the old basketball court where kids can ride their bicycles," he said. "And the shed still needs paint."
Between 20 and 30 volunteers — including a group of youngsters from the Anti-Litter and Beautification Commission's Clean and Preen program — have shown up steadily on Saturdays to dig footings, pour cement, plant bushes and put the equipment together.
"They shoveled so much dirt and sand, I'm surprised they still have hands left," Grimshaw said of the young people who were sent by Cordell Jacobs, ALBC executive director, to help out.
The park is due to open for play on May 10, the day before Mother's Day. In the meantime, volunteers are welcome anytime from 8 a.m. on to help with the remaining work. For more information about volunteering, call 777-9801.

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