Lafayette Regional School
Playground Project
“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”
Fred Rogers
American television personality
1928-2003
Why are we getting a new playground?
The current playground was installed twelve years ago with tremendous community support, both in terms of financial contributions and volunteer labor. The entire structure was built of pressure treated lumber. Current conventional wisdom leans toward playgrounds constructed of metal, aluminum, and plastic. We have had to modify some equipment to comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines. Furthermore, our insurance carrier has mandated certain alterations to existing equipment and some of these changes have made this equipment all but useless. Still other elements of the playground need constant repairs as the wear and tear continues to take its toll on the aging structure. Some pieces on the playground simply hold no interest at all for our students for playtime activities. Finally, our playground surfacing material is no longer compatible with Americans with Disabilities (ADA) guidelines.
We believe it to be prudent to bring our playground equipment into compliance in an effort to provide the safest play environment for our students.
Wellness Initiative and Learning:
How does this impact our need for a new playground?
“Health and success in school are interrelated. Schools cannot achieve their primary mission of education if students and staff are not healthy and fit physically, mentally, and socially.” National Association of State Boards of Education
“NSBA recognizes the critical link of health and learning and the role of schools in promoting life long health and preventing health risk behaviors.” National School Board Association
The school’s Wellness Initiative, which addresses physical well being and healthy dietary choices to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity, supports all efforts to engage students in outdoor physical activity. Studies show that with interesting and engaging equipment, students are more likely to keep moving. The more that students move the better they’ll feel and the stronger they’ll be. Whether movement enhances motor skills, increases balance, or builds strength, the overall objective is a more physically fit student population.
- Children who play are healthier.
The national recommendation for physical activity for elementary students is a minimum of 60 minutes/day of physical activity and 30 minutes of that should be accrued during the school day. At least 150 minutes/week should be spent in PE class. Only 4% of elementary students actually have daily PE.
At Lafayette, physical education classes meet twice a week for a total of 80 minutes each week. Health classes meet once a week for 40 minutes. Our students enjoy recess twice each day for a total of about 250 minutes each week.
Playgrounds offer multiple opportunities for all students to enjoy physical activity outside of PE classes, not just those who are athletically inclined.
Students are more inclined to be active at recess when there is equipment that is interesting and challenging.
In 2006, over 17% of children ages 6-11 were obese. The statistics point to an increase in type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Children who play do better in school.
Studies show that students who are physically active receive better grades than those who are more sedentary. There is a direct correlation between activity and academic achievement. Additionally, there is a negative relationship between body weight and math & reading standardized test scores.
Physical activity and physical fitness are associated with improved cognitive function, stronger academic achievement, increased concentration, and better test scores.
What is the timing of all this?
April 2008: New guidelines for playgrounds released by the CPSC
May 2008: LPTO and the School Board agree to set aside funds for the playground
December 2008: Begin community fundraising drive
December 2008-April 2009: Write and submit grants
September 2009: Install new playground
Why Playworld?
We have selected Playworld to be the supplier for the new playground. Lafayette Regional School purchased equipment from Playworld several years ago when we added three pieces of new equipment (tetherball, Pike’s Peak and the Triple Shoot Out.) The quality of this equipment is impressive. Playworld has been awarded the contract for supplying and installing playgrounds in five public parks throughout the State of New Hampshire, with more parks being added. The new playground will be constructed of recycled aluminum, plastic, and steel and is geared toward children ages 5-12. There are lifetime guarantees for the large all steel and aluminum structure as well as the Playweb, and a 10 year guarantee on the Playweb’s steel core cable. There is a 5 year guarantee on the seats for the swings.
How do we pay for the new playground?
The cost of the playground is over $73,000. We negotiated with Playworld and have been able to realize very favorable pricing with savings of over $22,000. The School Board and the LPTO have set aside funds totaling $48,000 so that leaves a balance to be raised of $25,000. We will be applying for grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and the New Hampshire Municipal Association. We will continue to research additional grant opportunities. We will also be doing fundraising to help offset the expense of the playground equipment.
How can everyone help?
Even though this project is in its infancy, we have already received a wonderful response. The Industrial Arts class at Profile School has offered to rebuild the little green house on the playground and we have received generous pricing on the materials for the house from Home Depot. Sherwin Dodge Printers has agreed to help with the printing and mailing for the fundraising campaign. Students can become Playground Pals simply by bringing in change and putting it in a jar in the lobby at school. We have already received quite a bit of money from the students. They really want this new playground! Members of Student Council will be placing jars around town in an effort to get the word out and to raise funds. Parents and students can help by talking about the need for the new playground with friends and neighbors. Some families might like to contribute financially to this project and others may like to volunteer their time when we install the playground. We will be reaching out to the citizens in our three towns to find the best possible way for everyone to contribute!
What if I have a question?
Feel free to give any of us a call or send us an e-mail. We’ll be happy to answer any question you might have.
Building & Grounds Committee:
Gordie Johnk--823.7741 or gjohnk@lafayetteregional.org
Mary Jo Greene--823.8758 or mjbg@earthlink.com
Linda Gaitskill--823.5385 or linda@gaitskill.com |
