Work to improve the playground at Memorial Park Elementary School (MPS) was completed during the summer of 2023, thanks to a $30,000 grant from the Barton Fund.
The district applied for the grant in May and it was notified in July of the award.
The mulch at the playground was replaced with twelve inches of certified playground mulch. The surfacing provides a soft landing to help prevent fall-related injuries.
New drainage material was also installed.
The last bit of mulch was spread on Aug. 24.
Crews from the Village of Waterville worked for about two weeks to make the change at the playground. The Town of Marshall also donated equipment for the project.
“This was a much needed upgrade for our playground. We greatly appreciate everyone involved with this project. Over 30 years ago, the community came together to build the original playground and the community came together once again to make these upgrades,” said MPS Principal Karen Hinderling.
“Thank you to the Barton Fund, Village of Waterville, the Town of Marshall and our district staff for making this project a reality and especially, in time for the new school year. This is another great example of how much our community supports our students,” said Waterville Central School District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Spring.