STONE HEAD — Van Buren Elementary School is a step closer to completing its playground fundraiser with the delivery of a large playground structure this month.
The piece arrived at the school on Feb. 5. It has three slides, a climbing wall, a fire pole with step rungs, a climbing arc and several other play activities closer to the bottom, said PTO President and VBE art teacher Heather Sawyer.
The structure cost $27,000. In December, the former Van Buren Township Volunteer Fire Department donated $13,509.36 to the PTO, which increased total donations at that time to $27,500 and allowed the school to purchase this first piece.
Ideally, the goal would be to raise enough money to finish the entire project, but the school has decided on creating smaller goals to meet, Sawyer said. The next goal is to raise $15,000 to buy a play structure designed for preschool students.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]To completely resurface the school’s playground and replace existing equipment, the school needs to raise about $100,000, Sawyer said. Currently, the playground equipment is surrounded by pea gravel. That causes difficulties for anyone with limited mobility, whether walking or in a wheelchair.
“This (project) is important to us because our kids need this. They need a safe place to socialize and let off energy. Our current playground is not ADA accessible, so we have children who have a difficult time playing and getting to and from the structures,” Sawyer said.
“Van Buren Elementary is pretty isolated, and we want our families to have somewhere to bring their kids to play, have a picnic on the weekends and enjoy our playground. At the moment, there’s nowhere really local for them to do that unless they drive into the state park or over to Deer Run Park.”
To donate, write a check out to the Van Buren PTO with the memo line “Playground fund.” Checks can be dropped off at the school or mailed to 4045 State Road 135 South, Nashville, IN 47448. A savings account has been set up for this money only.
People can also help donate by attending the school’s bingo nights. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 23 with doors opening at 5 p.m. All proceeds from bingo go directly to the playground fund.
