Editor’s note: In an effort to help preserve an item that may have been difficult to read within the time capsule from the old Rockmart wood play structure, I have transcribed the short essay written by Nicholas Helms titled “Do We Care Enough?” below. Due to the condition of the essay (and what looks like a printing error, not uncommon for inkjet printers back in the day) I have done my best to transcribe it as it is presented below. I have included photos of the originals for reference. Find a link to the article about the playspace time capsule here. – KtE
Do We Care Enough?
Nicholas Helms
How much do we care about the children of Rockmart? Will we help them if given the chance? We have been given that opportunity today by the Creative Playspace Project. This community-wide event will create a playground for our children, but funds and volunteers are needed to make it possible. You can buy a picket or you can build a fence, but the question is, “How much do you care?”
It has been proven that play holds a central role in children’s development. Through play, children are able to express their emotions more effectively than through conversation like adults. They are able to create, to learn things about themselves and others, and to experience new things, whether it is a trip to Timbuktu or a doctor’s visit in Rome. We can take part in this life changing experience by volunteering to work on the playground. Although it may cost us now in terms of money or work, the rewards of having bettered the life of our younger siblings and our future children will far outweigh any temporary sacrifices we may make.
We often overlook the blessings we have in Rockmart. A common playground in Atlanta consists of old crack needles and broken beer bottles. We have it far better here, but Atlanta is growing. Within twenty years, perhaps less, the metropolitan area of Atlanta will devour Rockmart. Along with this growth comes corresponding parasites of drugs, alcohol, and violence, in greater numbers than this town has ever seen. We must now work to overcome this evil. Prevention is the greatest medicine, and building this playground will go a long way in giving the children of Rockmart the safe and nurturing environment they deserve.
Is there any one group of people better suited to help build this playground (other than) teenagers? We are the generation of the next milennium, the so-called world changers and leaders of tomorrow. If we refuse to help now, while we still have our youth and before our hearts have been hardened by the world, how can we help when we are (?) Do we honestly believe that we will be cared for in our old age if we ignore the next (generation of?) these children, who will one day make the decisions that govern our lives? As in (?) life, looking out for others is the best way to look out for yourself.
This playground is an investment in our community and the future of our children. We have a choice. We can walk away and ignore this (?), or we can help. It doesn’t matter how you give. None of us can be a hero alone (?)… Only by working together, one picket at a time, one swing of the hammer at a time, (can?) we build this playground. Let’s make this dream come true, and by doing so inspire the dreams of a thousand children.
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