It's suddenly greener

sod052: It’s suddenly greener

Lamont Child Development Center students (l to r) Alejandra Lopez, Bianca Flores and Edwin Aparisio help teachers Donny Horton and Linda Mickle lay new sod on their playground.

Being "neighborly" recently resulted in getting to know a new friend and a grassed-in playing area for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools' Lamont Child Development Center. The creative thinking of Teacher Linda Mickle and the generosity of Toy's Turf made it all possible.

"We have been slowly trying to improve the outdoor playing environment for our 150 children," Mickle said. "As I was brainstorming the other day, I wondered how we could transform a large, mostly dirt, area under a huge shade tree into an enjoyable, cool place where we could read stories to them. At the same time, we were looking to dress up the grounds for our 10th annual carnival on April 29. Finally, it hit me. Why don't I call some turf companies and see if they would be willing to donate grass."

Well, Mickle did more than think about it. She called nearby Toy's Turf of Lamont and spoke to "Sharon." Hoping for a small donation, Mickle hit the jackpot, instead. Sharon asked how much was needed. Mickle told her the whole project required about 500 square feet of grass. She nearly dropped the phone when Sharon told her Toy's would be happy to help out the children by donating the entire amount at no cost.

"Not only that, but as we finished laying the sod, we realized we had underestimated and were 25 square feet short," Mickle said. "I called Toy's again, not knowing what to expect, and sure enough, Sharon came through again. Needless to say, Toy's has become our newest friend."

Lamont Child Development Center has long had other friends, too, that seem to always want to help. They are the parents of the children. Once Mickle had Toy's promise, she still had to figure out a way to pick up the turf and deliver it to the center. Maria Garcia said her son had a pickup and would be glad to transport it. Five other parents stepped up and volunteered to help load the sod in the pickup, unload, plant and water it at the center. That all took place on March 31.

"We can't thank our loyal parents enough," Mickle said. "Look at our beautiful lawn. Five hundred-25 square feet of Tifgreen Highbred O/Seed. Can't you just picture the children sitting under that big tree listening to fun stories and enjoying the outdoors, where it was once just dirt and worn out grass. We do spend a lot of time outdoors and this cuts down on the dust and makes it a cool place to play or read in the summer."

Lamont has other plans for the play area. It would like to purchase a playground structure complete with slide, climbing apparatus and playhouse. Parents, neighbors and anyone who would like to help, can attend the annual carnival at the center, 9615 Main Street in Lamont, on April 29. It runs from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and will feature games, a jumping booth and food including deep-pit barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, corn-on-the-cob, chips, sodas and much more. There will also be an opportunity drawing where a color TV, CD player, children's bicycle, passes to Magic Mountain and assorted gift certificates will be awarded to lucky winners.

"Every time we ask parents to help, they are more than willing," Mickle said. "We are grateful to have such good parents and neighbors, such as Toy's."


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