Why can we not use the school playgrounds?

It is not that we necessarily cannot; it is that we should not. School playgrounds are in place for students of that school to use during recess and physical activity times (Physical Education, etc). Often times, school playgrounds are directly adjacent to classroom windows and / or situated behind the school building. Using a school playground while school is in session can create a significant visual and / or auditory distraction for those students trying to learn and can be considered a significant safety risk. Being on school grounds without permission while school is in session can also land you in hot water with law enforcement as it is considered trespassing in many municipalities. It is up to the school whether they allow use of their playground when school is not in session and caregivers should be aware of a school’s grounds use policy. Many children can get attached to playgrounds that they frequent and it can be difficult to explain, especially to kids under 5, that they cannot play at their favorite school based playground because school is back in session.

Community playgrounds are a place for kids of all ages to play during park hours, usually dawn to dusk, although some playgrounds with after dark lighting may allow use within a set time limit (e.g. 8AM-8PM). There is no worry of being distracting to students’ learning or being asked to leave by a security or police officer and children can play freely throughout the year.

We at Bath at Play feel it is very important to provide greater community playground options so that all children, but especially children under 5 and home-schooled children, have more opportunities to play throughout the year!

Where is this playground going to be?

Our initial proposal to the City of Bath Community Development Committee outlined using the underutilized North East corner of Library/City Park (the hill under the cannon at the corner of Linden St and Front St) as placement for our playground project. This was also outlined in our Community Survey. While our primary goal is to provide additional community play space, our secondary goal is to locate it within a reasonable walking distance to the amenities of Front and Center Streets which would benefit local businesses and encourage more families to visit downtown Bath.

At this time, the final location for our community’s project has not been determined. We will be continuing the discussion of where our playground project will ultimately be placed with the Community Development Committee and the Bath City Council. We intend that, wherever we get City approval, any and all members of the community will have a voice on the planning and implementation process.

How are you planning to fund your projects?

Bath at Play plans to fund a majority of their projects through private donations from individuals and businesses alike. We will also seek funding through Federal and State grants where applicable. Our goal is to help navigate the sometimes difficult financial and planning aspects of these community playgrounds while collaborating with the municipality and the community to make ideas into reality!

I want to make a tax-exempt donation, are you a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit?

Yes! We are classified as a public charity under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code and are exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our effective date of exemption is August 15, 2022 and we received notice on November 7, 2022. Donors can deduct contributions made to Bath at Play under IRC Section 170. We are also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522. A copy of our exemption ruling letter can be seen here.

Are you considering a splash pad project?

Yes! Many parents (including us) feel that a seasonal splash pad is an amenity the City of Bath should have as there are few community spray deck play options in Midcoast Maine. This is a much more in-depth conversation to be had as the infrastructure requirements for a splash pad are far greater than a playground but it is something that is very much on our radar.