Magnify for Kids FAQ
The Magnify for Kids building project will completely renovate our outdoor play area and add a large group multi-use space as part of the Children’s Wing. We will also update spaces including two classrooms in the adjacent wing for future use as children’s classrooms, and add a security door.
Children first through sixth grades often gather together in one space for junior
worship in addition to classroom time and need a large multi-use space. Just as the Atrium provides an indoor place to gather, we hope that the renovated outdoor play area will provide a place for children to play and adults to gather outside of regular church hours.
We are thrilled with the fruit of our recent Magnify campaign that updated the Sanctuary, made improvements to the Children’s Wing, and added the Atrium space. We are happy to be welcoming many new families with children to the Kenwood family. This past spring, the Elders formed a building committee to explore this next phase of Kenwood’s mission including current use, projected growth, square footage, accessibility, multiple design concepts, and bids. The recommendation to the Elders was presented in September. After prayerfully considering the recommendation, the Elders voted to move ahead this fall.
We envision a dynamic space for discipleship that includes space for teaching, playing, and gathering. We welcome the community to use the space as well. We have included some inclusive play structures and will add more depending on how much funding becomes available.
The playground will be expanded by leveling off a big part of the hill. A fence will enclose the area. The surface will be artificial turf with a rubber underlayment with the goal of inclusivity for children and adults with special needs. The initial playground cost is $300,000, including two major play pieces, swings, picnic tables, benches, and a teaching space.
The interior space renovation will cost approximately $200,000. The current choir room will be converted to a large multi-use room and the rooms across the hall will be prepared as future children’s classrooms. A security door will be installed in the hallway to allow for a secure entrance to the expanded Children’s Wing.
We hope work will begin soon and the playground will be ready for kids next spring. Work on the building will begin next May. Construction will proceed as quickly as our generosity allows!