Staff writer
Commemorative bricks engraved with donors’ names will be sold to help raise $80,000 for new playground equipment at Marion Elementary School.
“We’re trying to get this kicked off before school starts,” Principal Justin Wasmuth said. “We’re looking to get the whole community involved.”
Bricks will lie in a cement path leading to the playground.
Bricks come in two sizes costing $50 and $100. Businesses and individuals who donate $250 of more will get engraved bricks and will be included on a commemorative plaque.
While the existing equipment is safe, Wasmuth said, age and lack of replacement parts prompted the push for a new playground.
“It’s going to be much more elaborate compared to playground we have now,” Wasmuth said. “It will all be connected, and it will have much more climbing equipment.”
About $15,000 has been raised for the project so far including $450 from a parent-child dance in April, $550 from Fay Family Chiropractic and Acupuncture, and a $12,400 USDA grant.
Superintendent Lee Leiker said the amount of money the district will put toward the playground will be considered as the budget is developed for the upcoming year.
More information is available at MES, (620) 382-3771.