Hopkins Hill Elementary School is hosting a community-wide event: Chase the Rainbow Color Run/Walk to be held on April 29th (Rain date May 6th) at Hopkins Hill School. This event is to raise funds to revitalize the outdoor space at the school that has been severely damaged by neighboring sand dunes.
Hopkins Hill Elementary School's property abuts sand dunes. These dunes were created by a developer that stripped the land for development but then did not actually develop the land. Over the years the sand has destroyed what little grass and other plant life the outdoor space has, made the blacktop area where the kids play basketball very slick, and at times caused the cancellation of recess all together due to extreme wind whipping the sand around the playground. Many students end up with eye injuries due to sand getting into their eyes. Additional safety concerns include ATV & dirt bike riders who access the dunes via school property, often during school hours, and old construction material that sometimes makes its way onto the playground.
In October 2017, after a petition from the Hopkins Hill PTA, the Coventry School Department, put up a fence with protective slats. The new fence has helped to prevent ATV traffic and reduce the sand impact. The school department has also put out some loam and there are plans to seed the area this spring.
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Now that the area is safe, the Hopkins Hill PTA is looking to revitalize it with plants, outdoor play equipment, and an outdoor classroom. Hopkins Hill Elementary School is a neighborhood school with an economically diverse population.With a student body of nearly 400, and a surrounding neighborhood community that often uses the school grounds, the improved outdoor space will benefit the entire community.
Local sponsors of the event include: Dave’s Market, Navigant Credit Union, Hope Veterinary Clinic, Pool & Patio, and American Paint & Sandblasting. The PTA is still seeking sponsors. Businesses looking to sponsor or individuals interested in participating in Chase the Rainbow Color Run/Walk can register and find more information at: https://hopkinshillpta.org/
