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Bayside Works With Local Community to Create
One-of-a-Kind Playground

SELBYVILLE, DE. December 10, 2007 – Bayside, the resort golf community being developed by Carl M. Freeman Companies, is home to a newly installed coastal-themed playground thanks in part to the efforts of local artists, Bayside homeowners, and Freeman employees.

The 6,500 square foot facility, which is part of Bayside’s Carousel Park, is a visual delight with bright colors and whimsical art providing the backdrop for such features as a rock climbing wall, an osprey tower, a lighthouse, a maze, and a puppet theater. Local artists Aubre Duncan, John Donato, and Laura Hickman donated their time and talents to creating the original artwork throughout the playground while Bayside homeowners and Freeman employees helped with the painting and some of the construction.

The design of Bayside’s playground is the work of Leathers & Associates, a leader in the field of community-built playgrounds. The Ithaca, New York-based company designs one-of-a-kind playgrounds that are built on site, usually within 5 days, using volunteer labor. Its playgrounds are built with environmentally friendly materials and are known for their safety features as well as for providing opportunities to children of all abilities to play.

Freeman Companies approached the firm about designing and constructing a playground using a combination of paid contractors and volunteers. According to construction consultant and project manager Michael Cohen, Leathers agreed to make an exception and work with Bayside because “we were very impressed with the organization and the professionalism of everyone at Freeman.”

The playground includes two separate play areas – a “tot lot” called Discovery Wharf for young children ages 2 to 5 and an area for kids ages 5 to 12 called Explorer’s Port. Describing the colorful artwork that brings the playground to life, John Donato said he, along with watercolor artist Aubre Duncan and Laura Hickman, who is known for her pastels and oils, “began with specific sea life in mind then designed them interacting with each other in a vibrant, playful style both children and adults seem to enjoy.” The collaboration resulted in a playground alive with color. A giant orange and red whale with a huge smile on his face is the background for the playground’s climbing wall and a yellow octopus building a sand castle with his tentacles provides a fun picture-taking opportunity.

The artists began creating the artwork for the project a week before the actual playground build and worked side-by-side with the contractors, Bayside homeowners and Freeman Companies employees to see that the playground was build within 7 days. “We are so thankful to everyone who donated their time and energy to make this project possible, especially our homeowners, our employees, and the local artists,” said Patti Grimes, vice president of Carl M. Freeman Companies. “Everyone should be proud of what they accomplished.”

The playground, which opened Thanksgiving Day, is the latest amenity at Bayside’s Carousel Park. In addition to the playground, the park is home to Bayside’s 36’ classic carousel that opened in September. Other features planned for the park include a picnic area and a covered stage for musical and theater performances. “Carousel Park is a great place for friends, family and neighbors to gather for recreation or relaxation,” said Grimes.

Bayside is a classic beach resort town on the Assawoman Bay. About 4 miles from the beach in Fenwick Island, the community offers an endless variety of recreational activities including an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, outdoor pool, tennis courts, fitness facility, whirlpool, access to kayaking, canoeing and more. A new Harris Teeter supermarket recently opened and the community has future plans for a village center with a performing arts center and additional recreational amenities.

Bayside is offering a limited selection of its luxury Grand Estates homes for sale. These beautiful homes with gorgeous views range in value from the high $600,000 to $1-million. For more information, call the Bayside sales office today at 302-436-9998.

Celebrating 60 years in business, Carl M. Freeman Companies has been developing resort communities on Delmarva for more than three decades, building more homes at the shore than any other homebuilder. The name is synonymous with responsible development, highest quality and lasting value.