Parents, school officials working to raise money for new playground at West Hempfield Elementary

Parents at West Hempfield Elementary School are rallying together to give students a new playground by the start of next school year.

Plans for a 40 by 70 playground featuring new equipment that will promote physical activity while including sensory play pieces is in the works, said PTO member Kimberly Pavsek. The playground will service over 500 students from kindergarten to fifth grade. The equipment will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“We want to build a playground where all children can play together, laugh together and grow stronger,” Pavsek said.

School officials are choosing between two renderings provided by Jeffrey Associates, a playground equipment provider based out of Allegheny County. The first rendering consists of multiple levels and slides along with several climbing structures. While similar to the first rendering, the second offers a small rock climbing wall.

According to Principal Chris Brasco, the current playground has not been renovated for about 18 years. Pavsek said the structure is located near a busy road and parking lot, and has started to deteriorate.

Plans for the new structure will move it to the back of the school to provide a safer environment where students can be monitored by already installed video cameras.

According to Pavsek, the new playground will cost about $50,000. The PTO has raised $35,000 toward the project, with an end goal of $60,000 in case of possible problems or setbacks.

To assist with funds, officials are hosting a bingo fundraiser Sunday, March 15 at the Jeannette American Legion.

The event, which costs $25, will include 24 bingo games, a $500 jackpot and a light lunch. A Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle will be available throughout the event.

Tickets for the event can be purchased by emailing the West Hempfield PTO at wheptoboard@gmail.com. General donations can be made through the playground initiative.

“I think it would be a positive for the kids,” Brasco said. “It would give them more of a space to play. It would give them something to look forward to, something new.”