Students at Menominee Elementary School in Plymouth will soon have a new playground structure thanks to many parents and staff volunteers. The announcement that a playground structure had been purchased was made during the PTO meeting on Tuesday night.
According to Menominee Principal, Steven Boyer, Menominee’s PTO collected donations and held fundraisers that netted just over $30,000 for the project. The PTO purchased the new unit for $27,999.92. The remainder of the funds collected will be used to purchase miscellaneous playground equipment such as basketballs, soccer balls and four-square balls.
The Plymouth Community Schools has earmarked funds to pay for the groundwork, surfacing, and installation of the playground equipment. The surface will be rubber tile making possible for all kids to access the area.
Parents Steven and Ruth Nelson are glad that their son Ashton who navigates in his wheelchair will be able to get closer to the other children during recess. Ashton and his twin brother Aiden are five and one-half and attend the kindergarten program. Ruth Nelson said, “I feel this will be a way for Ashton and Aiden to be able to play together.” She said, “Although Ashton and some of the other students have motor function delays, they are cognitively sound and want to be with their friends.” Nelson said she hopes the new structure will offer more ways for Ashton to expand his social development.
Boyer said, “I am very excited that we are finally able to provide Menominee students with a larger, more engaging playground.” When the school was constructed in 2006, there was no playground. By 2007, the playground currently in place was added.
Boyer praised those involved in the project saying, “Our school families and friends have committed themselves to tireless work and fundraising and the new playground will finally bring their commitment and efforts to fruition.” He called the project a win-win-win for students, families, friends and staff.
“It provides a number of activities that accommodate students with disabilities, a priority for all of using the selection process.” Boyer said. “It was a shared priority throughout the process to ensure we provided a larger, more engaging playground for every student.”
Carol Anders Correspondent
