St. Michael students loving their new playground

Submitted by admin on Mon, 03/24/2008 - 21:49

By Katherine Miller

CROWLEY – It has been a few weeks since the construction and completion of the new playground at St. Michael’s School. It is plain to see upon entering the playground that the children are all smiles upon talking of their new haven.

When asked the question “What is your favorite thing to play on at the playground?” The answers were gladly given. Jonah Bruno, a kindergarten replied, “The ladder that’s like a worm. I”m not scared, it’s fun!” John Paul Miller, also a kindergarten student anxious to get back to playing, replied, “The slides are my favorite thing, cause they’re fun!” Pre-K students Matthew Taylor and Nicholas Swacker were in agreement. Abigail Kilgore, a third grader, said, “ I like the Loopty-loop and the red twisting monkey bars,” and Madelyn Arceneaux’s reply was, “The spinning thing.” A spirit of gratefulness was also apparent while observing them and talking with them on the subject.

When the construction began on the new wing on the East Campus, it required the removal of the old playground structure. It has been a goal of the PTO/Angel Network to replace the structure since that time.

St. Michael PTO/Angel Network recently completed this four year project by erecting the new playground equipment at St. Michael School. Funds were derived from four years of projects starting with small Easter basket raffles to the First Annual Family Fun Run, which took place this fall. PTO funds were matched by funds from the Annual Giving and the structure was allowed to grow to accommodate up to 35 children at one time.

“Kim Bernard, this year’s president of the PTO/Angel Network took on the daunting task of ordering, purchasing, storing, and organizing the assembly of the structure, which took two days.

A group of around 30 volunteers, including students from the Notre Dame Ag Dept. worked tirelessly in very cold and rainy weather to complete the project in time for the students of St. Michael to enjoy the following week,” said Judy Guillot, Development Director of St. Michael’s School.

The new playground will benefit many students for years to come.