The playground is perhaps the most unassuming classroom in an elementary school. Athletics, socialization and interpersonal skills are just a few of the subjects studied during recess.
When recess is held on a playground without much equipment, though, it can inhibit kids from taking full advantage of this outdoor classroom.
That’s why several teachers from Alpine Crest Elementary in Red Bank have tried to encourage the community to rally around their playground. Over 20 years old, it has had numerous pieces of equipment removed for being safety hazards, but it hasn’t seen many replacements.
“The current playground is old, rotting, has bent metal, floods and is in overall very poor shape,” said Crystal Swanson, a member of the Alpine Crest PTA.
According to Swanson, the cost of fully upgrading the playground would be around $72,000. Teachers and parents with the school have been writing grants that could help cover that cost, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Teachers Suzanne Bourne and Jeannie Henry said the lack of quality equipment is a critical issue for the school, adding that the areas where each grade level plays are separated.
“It’s one of those projects that we’ve truly been working on for a long time, but things always get placed in front of it,” said Henry. “It’s gotten to the point where the equipment is more and more outdated.”
The PTA has repainted and restored what they could, she said, but that only accomplishes so much, and an incident of vandalism has also led to playground equipment becoming unsound for student use.
Bourne noted that the lack of drainage in the area which causes the kindergarten playground to flood during heavy rain leads to flooding on the nearby roads as well.
“The kids can tell you all the things we’ve told you,” Bourne said. “We know that play is essential to the development of these kids. We’d love to have a playground that our kids and parents are proud of.”
Henry said that they, along with the PTA and other teachers, have been in communication with the students and parents regarding ideas for a new playground. While they don’t have any answers just yet, having a playground that accurately reflects the work that the staff and parents of the school put into their children’s education is something they’re committed to.
“All children should be treated the same,” said Henry. “We want to give them the opportunity to really enjoy their time outside.”
With the school year ending, there aren’t any immediate plans for fundraising ventures by the school. However, those interested in contributing to the fund for Alpine Crest’s playground can mail checks to the school at 4700 Stagg Road, Red Bank, Tenn., 37415.