Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 9, 1995 TAG: 9505090085
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MELISSA DeVAUGHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FAIRLAWN LENGTH: Medium
A new playground, valued at more than $12,000, at Riverlawn Elementary School.
After more than six months of selling hot dogs and candy bars, holding crafts fairs and soliciting donations from businesses, the community saved enough money to buy a big and colorful playground, complete with sliding boards, monkey bars and ladders.
"We were surprised at the interest by the community and businesses," said Riverlawn Principal Judy Barr. "It was a real community effort."
Robena Hughes, a member of the school's parent-teacher organization, headed the committee that raised money for the new equipment.
"I think we did real well because when we went into it we didn't know if we'd be able to raise that much money in one year, but we did," she said.
Over all, said Hughes, she was pleased with the community support.
"There were some [businesses] we thought we would get that we didn't, and some we never thought we'd get that we did," she said.
The school raised $879 at its winter extravaganza, $2,454 at a crafts fair, $5,100 in a fun fest (individual classroom fund-raisers added together) and $951 in candy bar sales. Individual contributions totaled almost $2,000.
"We just weren't refused," Barr said excitedly. "It was something you didn't have to ask for."
The children were the biggest surprise, Barr said. They got so excited about the prospect of having a brand-spanking-new playground, they began bringing in their own money.
"There were several fifth-grade boys who called it a club and kept bringing in nickels and dimes," said kindergarten teacher Joyce Whitmer who also served on the fund-raising committee.
"And the children began to generate ideas on how to raise money because they all knew it was something we were all involved in," Barr added.
After all, the children ARE the experts in playground equipment.
"I like the slide because it goes fast," said 6-year-old Charlie Kolarich as he emerged from a big yellow sliding tube. Charlie didn't seem a bit slowed down by a broken right arm.
"The chains are really neat because you go so high," said Rachel Lillard, 7, as she pointed to a web-shaped assortment of coated climbing chains. "My mommy said I can play here whenever I want."
Kevin Crouse, 6, also likes the sliding boards, "Especially the curved parts," and 5-year-old Tabatha Ratcliffe likes the entire playground - "I want to come out here with my brother," she said.
The new playground will be dedicated at tonight's May PTO meeting at 7. Pulaski County Superintendent William Asbury will be there, as will Harry DeHaven, the county's head of maintenance and transportation.
by CNB