Some children living in the east end of Canonsburg face poverty and the threat of drugs every day, and simply don't have the money to attend summer day camp or even go swimming at the pool in Town Park, says Councilwoman Jean Popp.
When Mrs. Popp learned about the Neighborhood Drug Awareness Corps summer playground program, she worked with the program's executive director Joanna Dragan on a proposal to bring the program to the Perry Como playground on Giffin Avenue this summer.
Despite concerns it may interfere with the borough's Camp Splash, a summer day camp at Town Park, council unanimously approved the playground program Monday. It is open to all children in the borough.
"My main thrust here is to educate the kids as much as possible about the problems in their area," Mrs. Popp said.
The nonprofit Neighborhood Drug Awareness Corps Inc. was founded in 1990 in response to community concerns about substance abuse in Washington. It offers several drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention programs in Washington and Greene counties.
The drug awareness corps is a liaison for student assistance programs in local schools and, in addition to the summer playground program, provides the Common Ground Teen Center in Washington, alcohol, drug and tobacco prevention presentations, and in-service trainings to community groups and schools. It also has the Guiding Good Choices parenting program, which teaches parents of children ages 9 to 14 how to keep them away from drugs and alcohol.
The playground program usually costs about $8,000 to $10,000 per site, at no cost to the municipality or attendees. The programs run Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with at least two adult supervisors for 30 to 65 children. Free lunches can be provided through the local school district.
The program not only offers activities such as arts and crafts and recreation, but conducts programs about a variety of topics such as bike and animal safety, personal hygiene, bullying and literacy. Children registered for the playground program aren't required to participate in any sports or educational programs.
"We take the responsibility of overseeing those children very seriously," Ms. Dragan said.
The organization receives direct donations and donations through Washington County United Way. The group also conducts fund-raisers, as does the borough for its Camp Splash.
Camp Splash costs $125 per child per week, which still isn't enough to cover all the expenses for the all-day camp that runs for six weeks, borough Manager Terry Hazlett said. The camp has offered everything from swimming and other recreation to gardening lessons, musical performances and a carnival. A maximum of 40 children per week are allowed to attend.
The parks and recreation board isn't opposed to NDAC's free playground program, but pointed out that Camp Splash offers swimming, shelter and shade because it's in Town Park. The board also was concerned there may be a fund-raising conflict, and had expected Mrs. Popp to present the item to the board before bringing it to council, Mr. Hazlett said, referring to the board's Feb. 5 minutes. The board suggested finding a way to merge the two programs.
Before council's vote Monday, Mrs. Popp said she had been trying to get a playground program for three years and doesn't know why, as a councilwoman, she would have to get the parks and recreation board's permission first. She also didn't understand why some people would oppose the program.
"I'm just absolutely amazed that they're dickering and bickering about this when it's free," she said. "Why are they making such a big deal out of it? That's what I can't understand. I believe in striking while the iron is hot."
Council voted for the playground program pending Solicitor Pat Derrico's review of the insurance plan for the project.
Aside from possible conflict with Camp Splash, there was concern about closing down a borough park for the NDAC program.
Councilman George Coleman was concerned children would be turned away from Perry Como Park if they weren't registered with the program. His point was echoed by Councilman A. J. Williams, who said his younger brother and friends play there all the time in the summer. The issue was resolved when Ms. Dragan agreed to let other children sign in without having to participate in the program activities.
Exactly when the program is held will be decided with administrators from Canon-McMillan School District so it doesn't conflict with the district's summer enrichment programs, Ms. Dragan said. Summer enrichment classes are held for three weeks in June and July. Classes cost $15 each and are held on weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Each class lasts an hour and is completed after one week. Children up through fifth grade may attend.
Tentatively, the NDAC program is set for June 16 through Aug. 1, contingent on NDAC finding the funding.
Lunches will be delivered to the playground by the district for children who qualify for free and reduced price lunches. The district offers lunches to students from mid-June through the beginning of August at Canonsburg Middle School and South Central Elementary School.
The district will deliver either bagged or hot lunches, contingent on the logistics, said Vicki Capone, director of food services for Canon-McMillan. The district is reimbursed for the meal service through a federal program.
Linda Kappel, federal coordinator for the district, also met with Ms. Dragan. She said she's waiting for more information, but supports the program since it will keep children busy during summer.
"I'm hoping it goes through," she said. "I think it's needed really anywhere. This is a great way to keep children in group activities and under supervision."
First Published: February 17, 2008, 5:00 a.m.