Old and young spruce up Morris elementary playground

For their “Day of Service,” more than 40 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Madison Second Ward repaired and reclaimed a school playground.

“Our church has always been service-minded and reaches out to assist others in need,” publicist Carol Tillman said. “Annually, each congregation performs a ‘Day of Service’ to benefit members of their community. We made announcements in our church meetings and asked members to sign up with the Day of Service.”

On Sept. 8, their crews gathered at Morris Elementary School. “Some members of our congregation attend Morris Elementary School and live nearby. Morris Elementary is a Title One school, so funding is limited, and the playground had fallen into disrepair,” Tillman said.

Chad Tillman and Johnathan Carlson were project co-chairmen. David Dyer was point of contact for Morris. Workers ranged from 2 to 60 years old with 24 adults, six teenagers and numerous children, giving approximately 100 hours of service.

Railroad ties define the playground area and keep small, river rocks in place. “The first task was to remove (and replace) some railroad ties that were falling apart,” Tillman said. “Some railroad spikes were sticking out, so they were hammered back into place.”

One corner had washed underneath the ties and asphalt, leaving a dangerous gap. “Dirt was brought in to fill” and for drainage, Tillman said.

Much of the rock had washed down a hill. “Approximately two hours were spent shoveling the rocks into wheel barrels, moving them to other playground locations and then leveling out,” she said.

Younger children and teenagers helped shovel, rake rocks and paint four swing sets (two with horses), a slide, jungle gym and tractor. “Even the on-and-off rain didn’t slow the progress or enthusiasm of the participants,” Tillman said.

“Morris’ principal stopped by after the project was completed and thanked everyone for their hard work,” Tillman said.

Madison Second Ward, 1297 Slaughter Road holds services from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. Bishop Lon Stevens is pastor.

For more information, send email to caroltillman@ldspublicaffairs.org or visit Facebook/MadisonAlabamaStake, mormon.org or lds.org.