by Paula Riley

The Children's Park at Germantown and Southampton avenues at J.S. Jenks Academy for the Arts and Science is one of Chestnut Hill’s greatest treasures. Built by community volunteers almost two decades ago, the playground and gardens are enjoyed by Jenks students, residents and visitors every single day of the year.

This space is maintained by an all-volunteer board that needs your help. It is seeking assistance from the community in managing the playground and providing financial support. Without attention, the playground and gardens will not serve their critical role of providing a community gathering space and enhancing Chestnut Hill’s status as a visitor destination.

Everyone is welcome to a wine and cheese social sponsored by the Friends of the Children’s Park in Chestnut Hill on Wednesday, April 1, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Bombay Room of the Chestnut Hill Hotel. Guests will get to mingle, enjoy a glass of wine and hear a brief presentation by current board members.

Come and learn about the history of the Children’s Park, its impact on the residential and business experience, and opportunities to help maintain this community treasure. The Friends of the Children’s Park welcome your participation in Spring Cleanups, fundraising activities and promotion.

The aging park receives support from the Chestnut Hill Community Fund and needs more help to address maintenance needs. This maintenance includes repairing equipment, laying mulch ground cover, replacing sand, planting trees, staining wooden play structures, repainting fences and gates, handling trash removal and maintaining the required insurances. Other volunteer opportunities include board positions, fundraising, gardening, grounds maintenance and repair.

If you can’t attend the meeting, come to the Spring Cleanup on Saturday, April 25, from 8 to11 a.m., or send a donation to Friends of Children’s Park in Chestnut Hill, P.O. Box 4355, Philadelphia, PA 19118. For more information, call 215-284-1914 or chchildrenspark@gmail.com.