When they return this fall, Nobleboro Central School kids will find several additions to their playground. Using a combination of private grants and local fundraising, the school will add several pieces to the playground this summer.
On July 25, the NCS Board voted to accept the second of two grants from the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The first came from the state chapter of the organization earlier this spring. The state chapter awarded the school $12,500 and recommended them to the national organization. The national organization awarded the school another $12,500.
This money will be added to $10,000 raised by the Nobleboro Parent Teacher Organization. That money was already scheduled for playground enhancements this year, before the school received the grants.
“We have big plans for our playground this summer,” said NCS Principal Ann Hassett. “This was a real community effort.”
The school would not have received the grant money without the fundraising efforts and generosity of local residents and volunteers, Hassett said. Along with a variety of other fundraisers, much of the money raised for the playground came from several Nobleboro Nonsense dinners held at the school. The dinners feature raffles of goods and services donated by local residents and businesses.
Once it was decided that the school would be purchasing new playground equipment, the students were given a chance to vote for their choice in additions, Hassett said.
As per the kids’ choice, the school will add two pieces of equipment – a maypole and fitness cluster – and will redo and paint the basketball court, as well as buying four new basket hoops.
The school will also purchase two fitness stations – yet to be chosen by school officials – new woodchips, and recess equipment for the classrooms will also be purchased.
“This is going to provide an additional opportunity for students, for sure,” said AOS 93 Supt. Steve Bailey.
