Emerson Elementary School Opens New Playground

Submitted by Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205.

On Monday, Nov. 9, Emerson Elementary School held a special ribbon cutting ceremony for their new playground donated by funds from the Emerson PTA and the school community.

The students at Emerson never had a playground to use during recess time. The only playground that Emerson had is located very close to West Ave. and was unsafe to use during the lunch/recess time.

The new playground campaign was led by Emerson parent Amanda Tolman. The PTA donated $10,000 toward the project and hoped through fundraising efforts that the community would match the donation. Needless to say, the school community exceeded the amount from the PTA and raised $12,000 to complete the project.

Various fundraising campaigns held at school included: Hat Day, Gum Day, and Choose the Color Day. Each classroom had a jar and students donated money to participate in the special days. The classroom who raised the most money, cut the ribbon and was rewarded with the first recess on the new playground.

During the weekend of November 7 and 8, Emerson parents volunteered their time to help build the new playground.

The Emerson Student Council also contributed to this special project by donating a “buddy bench.” This bench is designed to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship. When children feel left out or need someone to play with, they can sit on the bench and another student can come over and ask if they want to play or talk.