New Woodstock playground challenges students of all ages

By David F. Ashton

The Bee, Nov 25, 2009

Parents of Woodstock Elementary School’s students finally got fed up knowing that their kids were taking recess on a playground that featured an empty field, a beat-up tire swing, and a dilapidated play structure.

“The little kids’ play structure was structurally falling apart,” said Susan Millsap, Playground Chair and PTA President at Woodstock Elementary School. “We decided to raise money to demolish the entire old playground, and replace it with an up-to-date, complete play structure. It fills up every last square foot of available space.”

Millsap said their group wasn’t discouraged by the estimated $40,000 price tag of their dream play yard. “We applied for and got some great grants; and received tons of support from local businesses. We also had a lot of support from our parents. And, the community participated in our community fundraisers. The support has been amazing.”

This new playground was designed to appeal to and challenge kids — from the littlest kindergarteners to the huskiest fifth graders, Millsap pointed out.

“Our focus was on providing exercise while having fun,” explained Millsap. “Specifically, encouraging kids to exercise their upper bodies and gain physical coordination. Some sections are very challenging; others are fun and easy.”

The design includes “social areas” that encourage kids to interact with one another. “We added the roof, creating a high-level social area platform that’s covered. In the center there’s an empty space where they can congregate.

“These kids have amazing amounts of energy,” observed Millsap. “Most of the day, they’re sitting and learning; they need to take a break, and run and play and get their bodies going. Then, they can come back in and really focus their minds on what they’re learning in school.”

The volunteerism didn’t end with the fundraising — a dozen volunteers were concluding a three-day building marathon, when we visited the site on October 11th.

“In total, about 500 people have contributed hundreds — perhaps thousands — of hours to, or helped with, this playground here at Woodstock Elementary School,” Millsap said. “Every parent contributed in one way or another; the community pitched in at our fundraisers, and businesses have helped in so many ways — from volunteering goods and services, to allowing us to hang up posters in their windows.”

Looking at those hard at work, she added, “And now, we’ve had a least 50 people volunteer during the three-day installation weekend.”

The final numbers weren’t in yet, but Millsap said she expected the final price tag to come in at about $43,000. “But look at the result. This play structure should last for a long time to come. That is our hope. We built sturdy!”

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