By Leslie Krowchenko
It’s bigger, newer and more colorful -- and it has The X-Wave.
If the last day of class wasn’t exciting enough, June 17, the children at Culbertson Elementary School celebrated with the dedication of the new playground. After sitting quietly for several short speeches, watching the ribbon-cutting and enjoying their snacks, the “Culbertson Cougars” checked out the slides, tubes and climbs.
“It is really nice and so much better than our old one,” said soon-to-be fifth grader Lauren Ross, as she came down the slide. “It has so many activities.”
The project, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the school, sought to replace equipment that, in some cases, was as old as the building. The most recent purchase was in 1997, many of the swings and seesaws were hazardous and the wooden deck, toppled last year, caused potential tripping and splinter risks.
“The area was small compared to the other schools,” said Playground Committee Chair Pam Lairdieson. “I have three boys and they need to get out there and run around.”
Started with $5,000 in seed money from the PTO and an additional $15,000 contribution from the group, the committee raised funds through candy and coupon book sales, a community yard sale and contributions from local families and businesses. A rock etched with the names of the donors will be installed later this year.
The children also secured sponsors and participated in the Play-a-Thon, a circuit with four five-minute sessions of swinging, seesawing, sliding and jumping rope. Each participant received a Play-a-Thon t-shirt, many of whom wore them on dedication day, and the event garnered $15,000.
The enlarged playground, incorporating suggestions from the students and retaining the octagon climber and several newer items, combines ADA equipment with pieces intended to encourage upper body and core strength. The chin bars, loop ladders and toss up will help to build cognitive and motor skills and develop agility and strength.
“It will get the kids more active and put the ‘play’ back in our playground,” said Lairdieson. “It is designed to stir their creative juices and most importantly, let them have fun.”
The most popular piece is the X-Wave, an updated version of the see saw that moves with an ocean motion. The children lined up as patiently as possible for a chance on the eight-at-a-time ride.
“The kids had played on it at Worrall and Russell and definitely wanted one here,” said Lairdieson. “When we took our survey, one girl told us ‘I want a wave. I don’t really know what it is but Russell has one and I want one, too’.”
The children completed their expanded recess time before early dismissal for the summer, which should include days and days at the Culbertson playground.
“This is excellent,” said Eric Michos, who will enter fourth grade. “It is really cool.”
