Memorial Elementary School needs money for new playground

Friday, September 9, 2011

Submitted photo Plans for Memorial Elementary School's new $85,000 playground, with an installment goal set for spring 2012.

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BEDFORD – The “big toy” or playground at Memorial Elementary School has been on its last legs for a couple of years and is ready to be put to rest, Memorial Elementary volunteer Joanne Smith said.

“Things have been repaired as they’ve needed to be, but it’s an old wooden structure and it’s run its course,” Smith said. “It was very well used and loved for many years, but it’s not able to be repaired or pushed along any further.”

There are already plans to bring in a new “big toy” to the elementary school, complete with obstacles appropriate for 3- to 5-year-olds, to allow all Memorial students, from preschool to fourth grade, to play during recess.

“There was not a lot on the existing ‘big toy’ that accommodates preschool kids, so the goal was to get something that provides something for them,” Smith said.

The school’s physical education teacher is excited about the upgrade, Smith said.

“Playing outside is such an integral part of the kids’ school day,” Smith said. “My kids say it’s their favorite part of the day at school.”

The new “big toy” also is designed to cater to needs of children who are less physically able to play, Smith said. Its open-style structure allows Memorial Elementary staff better access to monitor children during recess.

Once installed, its benefits extend beyond the Memorial Elementary School family, Smith said.

“It’s a place where other members of the community can go, outside of school time, so it’ll be a big benefit for children outside of the school as well,” Smith said. “For Little League, there’s a baseball field at the back, so people can take children to practice baseball and their other children can use the playground.”

Memorial Elementary hopes to have the new “big toy” installed by the spring, Smith said. In terms of fundraising, the school is about halfway to its goal.

The playground will cost $85,000 to install, and the school has $40,000 saved toward the project. That leaves $45,000 to be raised this year through fundraisers such as the school’s November book fair, major raffles and Spring Fling.

As school kicks off this fall, Memorial is heading up its first 2011-12 fundraising efforts with the sale of entertainment books for $30, which include discounts to Christmas Tree Shop, Six Flags, TGI Friday’s, Learning Express, Gap and other retailers.

“Every penny that we can raise this year at the school will go toward the playground,” Smith said. “We need all the help we can get from everybody in the community.”

Entertainment book sales run from Sept. 1-15. Checks should be made payable to Memorial Elementary School, or books can be purchased online at www.fundraising.entertainment.com. Enter Memorial School’s account number – 10031297 – so the school earns credit for the sale.

All general donations are welcome, Smith said. Checks should be made to Memorial Elementary School and be mailed directly to the school.

Smith said she is confident in the school’s ability to raise the money to meet the spring goal, with the help of the community.

“They’ll be supporting the physical wellness of Bedford students, getting kids outside in a safe environment to be physically active,” Smith said. “I’m very hopeful we can get the funds we need (by the spring). We’ve got a very determined group of people.”

Maryalice Gill can be reached at 594-6490 or mgill@nashuatelegraph.com.