By: Jennifer Poppert
Albemarle Plantation now has a large (6’x 6’) sandbox with a lid that folds back into seats. Built by Bernie Poppert, it is located behind the basketball hoop near the tennis courts at Dockside. Hopefully, the sandbox will soon be followed by a children’s playground with swings, a slide, and a climbing tower.
The sandbox was donated by the playground committee consisting of Patty Walsh, Ellen Chesney, and Jennifer Poppert. Wonder who volunteered Bernie Poppert to build such a delightful and well-functioning sandbox? Bernie did all the construction work. In addition, Bernie’s vintage Jeep came in handy for moving some supplies and equipment to the work site. The Jeep, a proud participant in many of our AP parades and patriotic events, is a 1942 Ford GPW. (Hence, 78 years old and still a working vehicle.) An additional thank you to Paula Fitzpatrick and Bob Burgess for the loan of their trucks that were used to pick up the lumber and sand. Then, Bob was there with Bernie and me (Jennifer Poppert) when we set the sandbox in place and helped to put the sand in.
Stop by and dig your toes in. There are sand toys for everyone! If you would like to donate to the future playground, please contact Patty Walsh at pattycake220@hotmail.com.