Thornton Creek Students Jubilant Over New Playground

The grand opening of Thornton Creek Elementary's new playground Thursday morning was a roaring success -- made clear by the children who were literally roaring and cheering as they tried out the new equipment.

The school, although part of the Northville school district, is in and has students from Novi.

The playground is not only all new equipment but features an inclusive play design fit for children of all abilities. That includes equipment like a low-hanging swing with a large platform that all children, including those who use wheelchairs, can use.

The school and volunteers raised $105,000 for the playground, said Thornton Creek Principal Alison Epler. The school also won a $50,000 grand prize from playground manufacturer Landscape Structures’ School Grounds. Playgrounds. Common Ground.™, its national contest with the National Association of Elementary School Principals. 

Volunteers -- including some from Home Depot, Community Financial Credit Union and Guido's Premium Pizza -- gathered Saturday to put the playground together in about 12 hours, Epler said. 

The students were jubilant to have their playground back, which was closed for about a week.

Kindergarten, first and third grade students, the students who raised the most money, were first up to try the new playground at Thursday's grand opening. 

>>Watch them play in the video above.