SHARON — The Sharon Center School PTO has started a campaign to raise funds for a new playground. The school’s current playground was built in 1993 and is made of wood. According to PTO President Marilyn Yerks, the playground is way past its prime.
“It needs to come down,� she said. “The capacity of the equipment itself is only 25 children. Also, because the equipment is too small in size for older children, we can’t allow middle-school students to play on it.�
The PTO has been working with Childscapes, a playground manufacturer in Marshfield, Mass., to design an all-new playground.
“The new playground will be made of metal and high-impact plastic,� Yerks said. “It will allow for 71 children to play on it.�
The playground will include a five-swing set with a specially designed handicap swing, two slides, and climbing pieces.
“Each part of the playground is designed to exercise a specific muscle group,� Yerks said. “Even the slides are designed for exercise.�
The playground will also include a synthetic grass surface for the area, with benches and picnic tables surrounding the playground.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $64,000 — which means the PTO needs a lot of community support to get this playground built.
“We need to have a deposit of $20,000 by Dec. 15,� Yerks said. “We’re going to have a series of fundraising events in order to raise the money.�
The first event will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Twin Oaks Restaurant at the shopping plaza, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The event is called “Jail and Bail� and PTO members will “haul� in some of the town’s most prominent citizens, who will be “jailed� until they raise the required bail.
Marshall Miles, a co-owner of National Public Radio Station WHDD, will broadcast live from the restaurant during the event.
On Saturday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. at the firehouse, the PTO will hold a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament.
The PTO’s goal is to install the playground during the school’s spring break, the second week of April.
To donate to the fund, send a check to Sharon Center School PTO Playground Fund, 80 Hilltop Road, Sharon, CT 06069.
