Staff Writer
HOULTON — Recess already rates high with most students, but that time of day got big boost at Houlton Elementary School this year with the opening of their new, expanded playground.
Pioneer Times Photo/Sarah Berthiaume
WHIZZING BY — Zachary Currier and Jaron Brewer whip by on the tire swing, one of the features of Houlton Elementary School’s new playground.
Long before the new playground comes into view, excited voices can be heard echoing from all corners of the school yard. Crowds congregate at the top of the triple slide and its neighboring spiral chute, each student waiting their turn for a few seconds of speed. The spider web, what looks like an updated version of the old monkey bars, is packed with kids weaving their way to the top.
On the right are swings and to the left, a tire swing, a climbing wall and some bouncy-looking steps. Further over, more playground pieces are situated — this one swarmed by students, too.
Principal Candy Crane said the new equipment has been used non-stop since it was finished a few weeks ago.
“I wished I had a movie camera on that first day,” recalls Crane with a smile. “When they went out the door, it was a wave of exclamations — just a frenzy of activity. And it has been ever since.”
After two and a half years of fund-raising by the PTO, the new playground came together for this school year, replacing equipment that had been there since around the same time the school itself was built in 1971. The new playground is making a difference with the student body, said Crane.
“The kids play more together. Some who needed to be challenged physically are, and they’re getting a good workout,” she said. “It’s just been awesome for them. They’re using every piece.”
Crane also expressed appreciation to all those who helped support the purchase.
“It’s been wonderful, and I can’t say enough about how wonderful the support has been from parents, PTO members and the community,” she said.
Cindy DeLucca, a member of the PTO playground committee, expressed a similar appreciation.
“We’re very happy with the new playground and very thankful to the kids, the parents, the businesses and the community [for their support],” she said. “The kids are lined up during the day and they’re using it after-hours, too. That’s just what we wanted.”
DeLucca said they’re planning other new additions for the playground, as well. In the near future, large sandboxes, a fence and more will be added.
From left, friends Alexis Ireland, Hannah Jacobs, Jessica Michaud and Morgan Grant hang around on the new spider web.
