Four years ago, the Hillsboro-Deering School District’s Director of Facilities, James Bailey approached the Elementary School PTO President, Kathryn McGinn about the decaying condition of the wooden playground. The PTO and the school district took on the task of looking at options for a replacement playground. They visited playgrounds that were recently built, contacted companies and found that a new playground would cost more than $150,000. This was a daunting amount of money, but the PTO was determined. A fundraising effort, and a Playground Committee was formed to assist in the planning process. The PTO brought in a new idea of the Ninja Challenge, and two years in a row it raised over $20,000. They were close, but not there yet. A warrant article was brought to the HDSD School Board, which asked to match 50% of the $150,000, and it passed. Since then, the PTO and the Playground Committee has worked hard to research and learn as much about building a playground as possible. After the design was finalized, the plan was set in motion, parts were ordered, final numbers adjusted, and volunteers were called.
The amazing volunteers helped get the majority of the playground erected in just a couple of days, and mulch was spread the following couple of weeks. When children went by the playground to get a sneak peek, they were in awe.
“My favorite part of the new playground is the swaying bench,” said Dakota Mercier, an incoming fourth grader. She is referring to one of the many new accessible pieces of equipment. This particular bench is a wheel chair accessible bench that rocks like a swing.
“This playground serves two purposes for the kids – one being an awesome place for them to run and jump and play, and the second being a great example of how a community can work together to achieve a shared goal,” said Alexis Czyzewski, a parent and volunteer that helped with the build.
Many thanks go out to the individuals and businesses who participated in fundraising, demolition and the build. Pettinelli and Associates, for designing the playground and supervising the build. Ming Du & Osram Sylvania, for each donating a bench. James C. Bailey III Home Improvements, for the use of his backhoe. Boulder Creek Excavation, for assisting with the demolition and preparing the new site. Bill Goss and the Hillsboro Highway Department for removing the old woodchips. Aubuchon Hardware and Quikrete, for the donation of cement. McDonalds, for their monetary donation. James Bailey and his maintenance crew. The Hillsboro-Deering School Board. Kid Adventures & Cathy Bennett, for partnering with the PTO, and all the teachers, staff, students at the Hillsboro-Deering Elementary School.
“The school and community came together to create a safe place for all children to play. Not only can you swing across the monkey bars, you can roll your wheel chair up a ramp to a boat,” said parent Traci Blain. “Imagination, heart and commitment went into creating another amazing play scape for kids. … The new playground is a colorful fun place that is proof when people put their minds to it, the whole community benefits.”
Thanks again to all the hard work of the volunteers and the support of the Hillsboro-Deering community, the dream from four years ago has become a reality. This could not have been a success without all of you!