The Peru Gazette

Photos taken about 4:45 today

By John T. Ryan

Peru – If you’ve driven by the Peru Elementary Schol playground on the sweeping Route 22B curve this week, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the many, many children enjoying the new, very large, playground apparatus.

The Peru Parent Teachers Organization (PTO) and the school district are responsible for purchasing the improved equipment. PTO Treasurer Sarah Michell explained, “Until about two years ago the PTO funded student field trips. When the district decided to fund them we had money in the treasury so we asked the parents and kids what they would like to do with the money. The answer was resounding, ‘Improve the playgrounds!’”

It was easy to agree that replacing the aged, sometimes insect infested wooden structure adjacent to Route 22B should be the first priority. A PTO subcommittee worked with the teachers, parents, students and the administration to develop a concept. Mitchell said, “The kids didn’t want traditional play structures. They wanted something that would encourage active play.” When the students voted in a mock presidential election last November, they were also given an opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite apparatus.

The apparatus they chose includes zip lines, enclosed slides and much more. Including installation it cost almost $90,000. The PTO raised $37,000 through fund-raising, private donations and outstanding support from the local business community. The school district funded the remainder of the project.

Raising money to improve the school’s three other playgrounds will be the PTO’s next priority. A spaghetti dinner and raffle are scheduled for Friday, November 3rd in the K-2 cafeteria from 5 to 7 p.m. Raffle prizes will include hand-painted Adirondack chairs created by each elementary class.