Smith and Heritage playgrounds get a makeover

By Jill Marie Ogden

As the clock ticks down to the beginning of the new school year, there’s a new shine to the playgrounds at Smith and Heritage schools.

Weeds and water were flying recently as Panther Cubs PTO members held a cleanup day on the play areas. Members targeted both the overgrown weeds and the normal wear and tear on the sites.

Volunteers showed up toting shovels, leaf blowers, wheelbarrows and power washers. They cleared away unwanted growth and debris and power-washed the concrete in preparation for painting.

“We are all excited to see the finished project,” said Jessica Lane, PTO treasurer and chairperson for the playground project.

Thanks to the dedicated work of the volunteers, students will find many new and fun touches added to their playing spaces beginning this fall.

The Panther Cubs PTO paid for the concrete painting project that includes a world, a U.S map, and fun games such as hopscotch and long jump. Basketball fans will find a refreshed basketball court, too.

Recognizing that recess can be a time to play ball games, blow bubbles and draw on the concrete, the PTO is purchasing new balls, chalk and other toys, along with storage bins for keeping the new equipment.

The district also “chipped in” by bringing in fresh wood chips and seeing to the repair of a broken slide to help students slip easily into the new school year with some new activities.