Mission Possible playground closer to construction
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ST. IGNATIUS – Parent Amy Vaughan says the St. Ignatius Elementary School playground is more than a place where children spend a brief reprieve in the sunshine between arithmetic and reading class. It is a valuable community asset where children grow.
“The heart of the community lies in its places for families to congregate,” Vaughan said. “In large cities many choices abound, but in St. Ignatius, the school fills the void. In small towns, school is the hub of all activities, be it sporting events, graduations, proms, the list is long. For families of all ages the school playground plays a vital role by providing a safe place to be active.”
But the current St. Ignatius playground is outdated and not handicap accessible. It sits on a pile of woodchips that leave students prone to injury, school officials say.
In January, the district launched a fundraising campaign to fund new equipment that is modern and accessible to disabled students. After pizza sales, a walkathon, and kindergarteners brining in pennies for the cause, the community has raised approximately $15,500 of the total $160,000 cost of the project.
“That’s just come from around the community,” parent Lynn Lapka said. “We’re really starting in on the grant writing process and starting to look for that money.”
With a few more contributions, the district can begin installation of part of the project, Lapka said.
The district has been selling customizable bricks to raise funds for the project. The bricks will be placed in a walkway somewhere on campus in the near future. Additionally, the district is selling nine benches for $5,000 each and trees that will surround the playground for $1,000 each. The benches and trees will come with plaques that will be displayed with the purchases in a lasting tribute to playground sponsors.
For those who can’t spare large sums, but want to contribute, there are plenty of ways to help, Vaughan said. The district hopes to cut down on construction costs by having in-kind donations of labor and prep work, she said.
Elementary principal Tammy Damien said her kindergartners are waiting anxiously for the new playground to be built.
“They ask me about it every day,” Damien said.
For more information contact (406)745-3811.
