PARIS – Children in Paris have waited and wished for a playground in Moore Park. Now the time has come when the community can help make it happen.

Earlier this year, New Balance shoe company donated playground equipment to four Maine towns and two communities in Massachusetts in honor of the company’s centennial anniversary. Playgrounds have been put in place in Norway, Norridgewock and Skowhegan, but kids in Paris have had to wait their turn.

“We were especially anxious to get the playground ready,” said Kelsey Jewell, Paris parks and recreation director.

The town had to work within the time frame set by New Balance and the playground manufacturer, Landscape Structures. As a result, the playground will be put in place after the concert series ends this summer, but with plenty of time left to play before snow flies.

Volunteers are needed to help install the playground from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 12. Jewell has 10 helpers lined up already, and hopes to get about 30, although she said she could use up to 100. In addition to people-power, the project will require tools.

Jewell’s wish list includes nearly every type of tool imaginable, from brooms to ladders to wheelbarrows. She’s also looking for larger equipment such as forklifts and portable toilets. Materials will be loaned, not donated. A complete list of tools needed is available at the town office.

Jewell said the playground will be similar to the equipment installed at Lake Pennesseewassee Park in Norway earlier this summer. One structure is designed for use by children ages 2-5. It features two slides and a pint-sized climbing wall. A larger structure, for kids ages 5-12, includes jumping pedestals, monkey bars, and a more challenging climbing net.