Kids will be climbing following construction at T.J. playground

After nearly two years of planning, fundraising and a few setbacks, a group of volunteers will begin the installation processes Saturday to a $25,000 addition to the Thomas Jefferson Elementary playground.

“It’s quite extensive,” Playground Committee Chair and T.J. transitional kindergarten teacher Diane Babcock said this morning. “We never let go of it. We just had to adapt with the renovations to the parking lot.”

The committee, consisting of Parent/Teacher Association members and volunteers, has worked with the school’s physical education department to emphasize student strength and endurance with the new equipment. The playground addition will include a rock climbing wall, bongo perches meant for jumping, horse shoe handles for hanging and eight new swings.

Babcock said the first fundraiser was held a year and a half ago with a fun night. The PTA also hosted other fundraisers, including a sponsored student run that raised $7,000. Construction on the project was delayed due to recent upgrades to the school’s parking lot, but fundraising and planning continued.

Volunteers will install two-thirds of the equipment Saturday with construction supervision from Boland Recreation, the company from which the playground was purchased.

Babcock said the PTA still is raising funds to complete the playground. People interested in making a donation can contact the school at (641) 792-2498 or Babcock at (641) 792-4992.

“It all has involved the kids,” Babcock said. “Students and parents did an outstanding job far beyond our expectations.”

Mike Mendenhall can be contacted at (641) 792-3121 ext. 422 or via email at mmendenhall@newtondailynews.com.