Project Play is giving away up to $15,000 to spruce-up local playgrounds.

FROM ACTion Alexandria: 

Project Play is giving away up to $15,000 to spruce-up local playgrounds.

Your local playground could be the winner of up to $5,000 in “spruce up” grants to improve the quality of playspace for children in your neighborhood. Whether your playground needs repairs, mulch, new small equipment, seating, or even trees for shade, winning a Project Play Spruce Up Grant can turn your neglected playground into a kid magnet.

Four grants are up for grabs. Any playground in the City of Alexandria is eligible.

• $5,000

• $5,000

• $2,500

• $2,500

How to Submit a Nomination

It’s easy to nominate your favorite playground. All you have to do is submit your nomination on the ACTion Alexandria website or send it via email toprojectplay@actionalexandria.org and include the following:

• Explain how a spruce up grant for your playground would help children in your community.

• Specify the kind of equipment, repairs, changes, or innovative ideas you have for your playground. See this suggested equipment list for ideas. Special consideration will be given to equipment or playspaces that serve toddlers and pre-school age children.

• Include a representative photo if possible.

View step-by-step instructions on how to submit a nomination.

Last day to nominate a playground is January 6

How Winners Are Selected

Grant winners will be selected by the Project Play Taskforce based upon a combination of online votes and recommendations from the recently completed city-wide playspace assessment.

Please review the official contest rules for details.

Important Dates

• November 16th, 2011: Nominations and voting begin
• January 6th, 2012: Last day of nominations
• January 13th, 2012: Last day of voting
• February 1st, 2012: Winners announced!

Toys for Tots Benefit

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

City of Alexandria to Hold 37th Annual Toys For Tots Benefit Square Dance on Sunday, December 4

The City of Alexandria’s 37th Annual Toys for Tots Benefit Square Dance is scheduled for Sunday, December 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Lee Center Exhibit Hall, 1108 Jefferson St.  This year’s theme is “Almost Heaven at Thirty-Seven” and will feature a special 3 p.m. performance by Capital Squares Demonstration Team. 

The annual square and round dance benefits the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Drive.  Recommended donation for each couple is a new, unopened toy or a $10 minimum contribution (singles $5).  All toys and proceeds from this dance will remain in the Washington metropolitan area. If you do not wish to participate but would like to donate a toy, you may drop off your donation until 3 p.m. at the Lee Center.

The City’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and the National Capital Area Square Dance Leaders Association and Washington Area Square Dance Cooperative Association are cosponsoring the event.

Holiday Concerts in Alexandria