Pump Track for Summer Fun

Right now we have several feet of snow that we are piling up so that we aren't surrounded by a lake when break up comes. In Fairbanks, Alaska "break up" refers to the spring thaw when all winters accumulation of snow melts.  It's been sunny for a few weeks but the temperature is still -20 to 16 above.  Cold enough to make the young people enjoy indoor and outdoor activities.  It's also that perfect time to dream about playing outside when daylight and 45-85 degree weather arrives! We do live in extremes. 

So this is the dream!  On our fenced property we already have a basketball court, volleyball sand pit, vegetable and flower garden and lots of pavement. We are hoping to add a swing set, climbing objects and a pumptrack for hours of outdoor play by the forty-five 5 to 12 year olds that play here 5 days a week all summer long. Raw Joy is open 7am until 7pm and in the evenings for Joel's Place,  the Boy Scouts and for special events on the weekends. The pump track will be sturdy, smooth and last for years. Bikers, skateboarders and scooter riders will all have fun riding the pump track! 

One of our community members met with our board to discuss our idea of reaching younger students as a way to stabilize our youth programs.  He likened it to the dance troupe he supports.  Without reaching the 5-7 year old ballerinas you would never have the older dancers, he calls them the "bread and butter" of the dance troupe.  As our certified skateboarding instructors teach children to skateboard we have this overwhelming sense that many will be part of Joel's Place long after they age out of Raw Joy.  After all, it's about creating a compassionate community.... one that cares for children and their families. 

Our goal is to raise $56,000.  We are writing two grants one for $25,000 and one for $20,000 to local foundations. Your donation will show community support and help us add the remaining $11,000!  Let's keep the kids busy and out of trouble this summer!