The Parks Department needed their picnic tables, benches and settees painted. Indeed, water-based paint in the wonderful shades of putrid brown or institutional beige, grass to catch rebellious drips, sand to absorb spills, bathrooms close at hand, and a play ground when the kids got bored. The younger scout groups, such as Tiger, Wolves and Webelows all needed community service for their badges. They picked up trash until they were blue in their little faces and appreciated any projects that touted an air of responsibility. Most of these younger aged groups have great parental support and with a little cajoling, they, too, will pick up paintbrushes and rollers and work along side the kids.
Parents usually do a good job on quality control.
The bonus is that one den mother discussed the project with a troop mother and many late summer afternoons have been spent photographing munchkins painting tables at city parks. A special project blossomed from Public Works-repainting the old, faded, chipped play equipment that's slated for replacement at one of the city's older and smaller parks. Bare, ugly pipe showed through where the paint had worn off. A high school service club that had painted fire hydrants several times jumped at the chance to show their creativity. Groups hold a special place within the city's volunteer program because word travels quickly in smaller circles.