Parents Spearhead Fundraising Effort for New Playground

Children at Pines Lake Elementary School have some new playground equipment to use thanks to some dedicated parents and school district officials.

A large hill used to be located on the property above the old equipment. The hill obstructed the view of the equipment. Parents wanted to eliminate the hill and purchase new equipment and a committee was formed to spearhead the project.

“We needed to do something back here,” said Nick Louridas, the committee’s co-chairperson. “The big stumbling block for us was first figuring out what to do with that hill.”

The committee raised more than $60,000 in donations for the equipment. The hill was also leveled and the subsequent dirt were removed for free.

The group worked with local businesses to sponsor restaurant nights where a percentage of that day’s profit went to the committee. The school’s Parent Teacher Organization helped in the fundraising effort.

A new surveillance camera continuously monitors the area. The view can be pulled up by online by district officials at any time. 

Wayne School District officials installed a drainage system under the mulch on the playground, new lights, and a safety fence around the perimeter of the playground.

The playground will be formally dedicated at 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

“So many people told us that it was going to be too hard of a project to accomplish and now look at it,” said Liz Lenas, the committee’s other co-chairperson. “We’ve got a brand new playground that will be used for years to come.”