AMERICUS — Sumter County Elementary School (SCES) is embarking upon an “Extreme Playground Makeover.” The current playground hasn’t been updated since the school and playground were constructed in 1987.

According to Mitzi Bacon, President of the SCES Parent and Teacher Organization (PTO), the playground has limited, older equipment and the grounds retain water with any significant amount of rainfall. “Our vision is a new playground that will provide a safe, clean and dry place for all students to learn and play,” Bacon said.

Sumter Elementary formed a team during the 2011-2012 school years to investigate research and begin planning the “Extreme Playground Makeover” project. Sumter Elementary collaborated with UGA’s Archway Project and Sumter County Archway Professional Barbara Grogan and was able to utilize landscaping architect students from the University of Georgia to survey the existing playground and landscape.

SCES principal Sharon Marcus said the project initially began as part of a new focus on improving the aesthetics of the school system’s campuses. Marcus said it was fourth grade teacher Zabrina Shaw’s idea to turn attention to the playground.

Archway formed a focus group consisting of Sumter Elementary students, teachers, physical education coaches, and administrators to “brainstorm” wants and needs.  Working together, landscaping drawings and playground plans were completed.  

On October 8, 2012, a design was revealed at the PTO meeting. Students who participated in the focus group were excited to present the “Extreme Playground Makeover” plans that include a play area, kickball area, and free game court. Because Sumter County Elementary is a math, science and technology school, plans also call for incorporating outdoor learning opportunities that directly support SCES’s curriculum including an outdoor classroom, nature trail, greenhouse, weather station, raised bed gardens, and recycling centers. Shaw says such additions will help expand the classroom into the environment, helping children become more aware of the world around them.

Emphasis on physical fitness is another important part of the playground makeover. Physical education instructor Carol Briley says the overall goal is to get the kids to be more fit. She says increased cardio and muscular strength is needed to get kids to “the healthy zone.”

Briley said “studies show physically active students perform better academically.” In addition, Briley said another goal is to give the playground accessibility for handicapped students; but these new amenities come at a price. A “Bridge Stand,” a handicap assessable piece of equipment, sells for around $55,000. Another piece of equipment that they hope to add costs $50,000. “I’m learning a lot about playground equipment,” Marcus said with a laugh.

Sumter Elementary is currently working on raising funds to make the Extreme Playground dream a reality. The efforts of Bacon, Shaw, Briley and Marcus have already gotten many sectors of the community involved. “Playground work days” will be scheduled inciting more community involvement, brining together students with the business community and civic organizations. The Sumter Elementary “Extreme Playground Makeover” team has kept busy promoting their dream.

Recently, students were featured on GSW TV’s episode of “Kids under Construction.” The group has also presented their program to the Americus Rotary Club and Dogwood Garden Club. The Americus Rotary Club, Junior Service League, and Wal-Mart have made generous donations toward the playground. Dogwood Garden Club has offered to help with garden design and work “hands on” in the nature area. 

The SCES “Extreme Playground Makeover” team is researching and applying for grants, selling “Extreme Playground Makeover” t-shirts, and  collecting box tops, can labels, and Harvey’s reward points.  

More help is needed from the community to reach the goal of making the makeover a reality. In all, the project will cost around $500,00. “In order for the makeover to be successful, Sumter Elementary will need the support of the entire community,” Bacon said.

For more information please contact Sumter Elementary School at (229) 924-7835 and search SCES Extreme Playground Makeover at www.youtube.com.