Playground Information
Vision Statement
We envision play equipment, trails, adult fitness stations, open fields, park benches, and an athletic field that facilitate play (both free & organized) as well as leisure. Play equipment will maximize free play opportunities during school recess. Trails, adult fitness stations, benches, and landscaping will provide activities and/or pleasant surroundings to extend and encourage recreational opportunities to the community. Extended use will further enhance student fitness by encouraging more frequent use of facilities and by establishing role models for healthy lifestyles.
Draft plan 2006
Project Status March 2008
Parkside Elementary School was in desperate need of new playground equipment. Involvement of County officials, the Board of Education, School faculty, and parents resulted in an exciting plan to develop an intergenerational community playground that will offer fitness, leisure, and play to children and adults! Two new playgrounds were constructed in the spring of 2007. A walking track w/ adult fitness stations, a team athletic field, and other improvements are also planned.
The Importance of PLAY
Kids who play are healthier. Childhood obesity has more than doubled for kids in the classroom (preschool – 12th grade) over the last three decades, resulting in part due changes in the amount of energy kids expend in school and during leisure time activities1.
Kids who play do better in school. Play and cognitive development are strongly related. Research has associated improvements in attention, planning skills, attitudes, memory, and language development with play2. Students are more on-task and less fidgety in the classroom when allowed recess3.
Kids who play, play better as adults. Free play allows children to practice and learn important social skills like sharing, cooperation, self-expression, and conflict resolution. Lessons learned in play prepare individuals to be responsible adults later in life.
Kids who play feel better about themselves. Play provides numerous opportunities for accomplishment, as demonstrated by any child that has yelled ‘WATCH ME!” just prior to performing a newly mastered skill. Response to failure is also learned, as children employ persistence to conquer a difficult task.
Adults who play help themselves and encourage kids. Play lets the mind forget about everyday worries like bills, deadlines, chores, etc. Our minds are temporarily ‘free’. SO, we can benefit mentally and physically through play! AND, we encourage kids to reap the benefits of play by example!!
Links to other information on the importance of play:
http://www.instituteforplay.com/
http://www.centerforcreativeplay.org/
Dreaming and Design Party- April 24th 2006
Summary of student design information.
Selected equipment
2nd – 5th Grade Play System- Ridgeline Summit by Game Time (many component changes made to reflect results of Dream & Design Party are not shown).
2nd – 5th additional component – Castle Rock by Game Time.
PreK – 1st Grade Play System- Pirate’s Cove by Game Time (many component changes made to reflect results of Dream & Design Party are not shown).
Adult Fitness Stations- Par Course Fit Circuit by GameTime.
FitCircuit exercises are: Welcome and Heart Check, Achilles Stretch, Hamstring Stretch, Sit & Reach, Knee Lift, Log Hop, Half Knee Bend, Body Curl, Chin-Up, Bench Curl, Sit-Up, Vault Bar, Push-Up, Bench Leg Raise, Bench Dips, Leg Stretch
Fundraisers
Engraved bricks
All bricks are currently engraved and await installation. Bricks will be installed at or near play structures to recognize contributions.
Community Supporters
(^Click For Full List)
Pennies for the Playground
Iced Tea Sale
Applebees
LaVale Volunteer Fire Department Bingo Partnership
Parkside Wrist Bands
Disney Vacation Raffle
Other Donations
Cans for Caring
Total fundraising profit: $27,500
Grants received
Program Open Space $25,000 July 2005
Current Status: Final approval received from Maryland Board of Public Works. Parkside has the required 10% locally raised funds in its playground account ($2500) to reimburse our sponsor (Allegany County BOE) upon completion of the project.
Program Open Space $225,000 July 2006
Current Status: Final approval received from Maryland Board of Public Works. Parkside has the required 10% locally raised funds in its playground account ($22,500) to reimburse our sponsor (Allegany County BOE) upon completion of the project.