By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
ELL SALINE - An area school elementary playground that is meant not just for students, but for community members is looking to be renovated since its installment in 1989 and they can use your help.
Ell Saline USD 307 is seeking donations for their new elementary school playground, that is looking to be established soon. According to the district they have reached over $400,000 in funds, but will need more.
"We are incredibly grateful for the generous donations we’ve already received from Ell-Saline families and businesses in the Salina area. Their support has been vital in getting this project off the ground. However, we are still working to raise the remaining funds needed to complete the playground renovation. Every additional dollar brings us closer to making this safe play space a reality for our students and the wider community" stated Ell Saline Elementary Principal, Darla Raile.
The playground will consist of 75 ADA accessible apparatuses, 2 large play areas, courts for 4 square, basketball, volleyball, gaga ball and more.
"We want a good quality playground for our kids and the rest of the community" said Ell Saline Preschool Teacher, Emily Komarek.
The Need For a New Playground
According to the district, the significance of this project is due to their current playground equipment being "outdated" and that it no longer meets today’s safety or accessibility standards.
Throughout the years, runoff and shifting soil have caused areas of the playground to erode toward the nearby ditch—making some pieces of equipment unsafe and unusable. The unstable ground limits students’ ability to use the space fully and poses increasing safety risks.
As part of the renovation, the playground will be relocated to a more safer and central area on school grounds. This will be placed further away from vehicle traffic and on land that can be properly stabilized.
“We’re not just replacing old equipment, we’re creating a safer and more functional space where kids can play, explore and grow. Safety and accessibility are at the heart of this project. Our students deserve an environment where they can engage in active play without worrying about safety hazards" said Raile
Raile also commented on how this will impact the local community as well.
"This renovation is also about creating a welcoming space that can serve our entire community, not just during school hours but after hours too. With the support of our generous families and local businesses, we are excited to build a playground that will enhance the experience of everyone who comes here" said Raile.
How You Can Contribute
USD 307 invites all individuals, businesses and organizations to join them in supporting the project. All financial contributions are welcomed and appreciated.
To learn more about the project, contact Darla Raile at (785) 827-8891 or [email protected].
If you are interested in sending a monetary donation, use address 1757 N. Halstead Rd., Salina, KS 67401 to mail your donation.
