Playground Update

The Primary School’s back playground is taking shape. With 80 tons of concrete poured and 100 tons of a temporary gravel driveway in place, the excavation process is ending and the new playground equipment is about to be installed. With the foundational elements of the playground complete and crews working full steam ahead, the back playground is expected to open for students in the new year.

 

Preparing the ground for the new back playground was not as easy as it seemed. During excavation, unforeseen challenges that required creative problem solving were revealed. A buried tree stump was unearthed just outside the gymnasium. As the stump decays the ground will soften and become unstable for retaining walls above. Workers had to engineer and secure an arch underground and over the stump to eliminate the possibility of potential damage to the new wall. 

 

Other improvements include a new 6-foot cedar fence and a new drainage system. “Many tons of gravel will assist with absorption of water and drainage to accommodate runoff,” says Director of Finance and Operations Chris Ginter. New retaining walls were installed to hold and grade the ground, and the ramp leading to the main building was extended. 

 

Trees remain wrapped in cloth with wood around their trunks for protection as crews continue to move throughout the site. A few of the trees that were removed will provide the wood for benches around gathering areas and the open play space. The benches will be installed this week and play equipment next week. 

 

Students and teachers in the Kindergarten classrooms have been watching the progress from their windows. Now, they can see a water feature standing amidst wheel barrels, boxes, and tools in the new makerspace near Tasha’s classroom. Across the way, they can see rocks for the boulder wall being lifted with heavy machinery and carefully set in place by Jaime and Lisa’s classrooms. 

 

The joyful voices of children playing will soon fill the air once again on the back playground. Children will be able to explore the climbing structures and use the treehouse and open spaces for imaginative play. Along with the water feature, the makerspace will be equipped with building materials and sand, giving kids the opportunity to engage in creative activities. An outdoor classroom and amphitheater nearby will also be ready for teachers to use for lessons. Construction crews will finish the final element, the sport court, by spring.