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Students and teachers thank community for support during official ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new playground
Teacher driven initiative builds playground for entire community
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Loveland, Ohio – It was a day to pass out popsicles and hand out one big thank you. Friday, Oct. 7, students, teachers, administrators, and supporters gathered outside Loveland Primary School (LPS) for the official dedication ceremony opening their new all-inclusive playground.
During the 2014-15 school year the Loveland Primary School staff created the plan for an all-inclusive playground at their school that meets the modern needs of their students through play activities that engage in positive play and appropriate social interactions. The teachers designed a playground that is accessible for children of all abilities.
They worked to raise $37,281.62 through private donations and hosting fundraising events. In addition, several teachers earned a $10,200 contribution from The Amazing Race by working at the event.Their mission was to create an all-inclusive playground that supports social, emotional, and physical growth through engaging active play for their students, and a welcoming place in our Loveland community for families to come and play after school hours and on weekends.
The school district invested $404,150 for the construction, that included $366,868.38 paid for with district funds.
“Our entire Tiger Family pulled together to turn our vision into reality,” said LPS Principal Kevin Fancher at the dedication ceremony. “This moment is amazing… for our students who will directly benefit from it, and for our staff who never gave up on the dream to create this for our building. We offer the most sincere thank you to every person and every organization that made this happen.”
“This moment was two years in the making,” said Superintendent Hilliker. “It took the entire Tiger community to pull together and support this cause, and now we are so excited to have the all-inclusive playground facility complete for both our students and community members to enjoy.”
LPS all-inclusive playground supporters included the Loveland Primary School Staff, private donors, Chamber of Commerce and Cee Cee Collins, Loveland Athletic Boosters, Amazing Race Charity, and Loveland Magazine.
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