IC School opens new preschool playground

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Immaculate Conception Elementary students, staff, parents and community members celebrated the opening of their brand new preschool playground on Friday, Sept. 29.

The opening of the playground marked the end of an eventful day at IC, as the students’ grandparents were invited to visit the school to spend the afternoon with their grandchildren.

“We had a great showing,” said Field. “It was a good turnout.”

From singing songs and playing trivia games to seeing what their grandchildren have been learning this year, the grandparents got to enjoy spending time with their family while becoming more involved with the students’ education.

“We value family and the relationships we have with each of our family members,” said Field. “Grandparents play an essential role in the lives of many children, offering love, support and wisdom that help shape who they are and who they will become.”

Normally held in the middle of the week, this Grandparents Day was moved to Friday to coincide with the opening of the school’s new preschool playground. At the end of the school day, kids and grandparents alike flocked outside to join the school board, chamber ambassadors and more for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

“I’m so excited that the project is finally complete,” said board member Dr. Angela VanGilder, who serves on the playground committee alongside Field, Jody Osier, Kolleen Milligan and Pete Kloberdanz.

Renovating IC’s playgrounds has been a long process, with the committee starting two years ago to raise money through fundraisers, grants, and donations. The new preschool playground represents the second phase of the project, following the instillation of the school’s new gaga pit. Playground equipment was ordered in January and cement was poured for the site over the summer, waiting for the equipment to be put up in September.

“We are thankful to the many donations that were sent to support this playground,” said Principal Laurie Field. “This playground, dedicated to IC school students, was made possible by the generosity of parents, community members, alumni and corporate friends.”

After a blessing from Rev. Tom Heathershaw, the ribbon was cut and the kids were let loose to jump, climb and slide around the newly installed equipment.

With the preschool playground complete, the playground committee will direct its focus to the next phase, an update to the K-6 playground.

“With the support of the community and corporate friends, we will pray for the success of the last phase of our IC Playground project,” said Field.