YGS PTO Installs New Playground with Community Support

The following was provided by Circle Center Grade School:

Yorkville Grade School parents and community volunteers came out by the dozens  to help install a new playground set that YGS PTO purchased following several years of fundraising efforts.

“After lots of hard work and planning, this dream is now a reality,” said YGS PTO President Crystal Cavey, who has served on the board for six years. “YGS PTO has been working toward this goal as long as I can remember.”

The previous wooden set was more than 30 years old, and some YGS parents fondly remember playing on it as children. While it was well-maintained and safe, new equipment has been on the school’s wish list since 2007, according to YGS principal Tracy Anderson.

“Our students can’t wait for it to be ready, and they look forward to its new features, including multiple slides, climbing activities and musical elements,” Anderson said, adding that it provides play options to build both upper- and lower-body strength. “This is a win for the community. The play set is located at YGS, but it also serves as a popular playground during many high school sporting events, on weekends, and over summer break.”

Cavey said the new playground would not have been installed without the behind-the-scenes coordination and direction of YGS dad David Schultz, who is a project manager and professional engineer with HR Green, Inc., in Yorkville. Schultz worked closely with Anderson and with Brian DeBolt, District 115 director of buildings and grounds, whose staff prepared the site for the project.

“We especially appreciate David for committing his time and expertise to the project on a completely volunteer basis,” Cavey said. “We are so grateful for our amazing YGS ‘family’ and for a supportive community.”

Schultz said that the project was successful thanks to the work of the YGS PTO Board and many volunteers.

 “It was refreshing to see incredible support from various groups, including YGS staff, YHS cross country team members, and past and present YGS parents,” Schultz said. “This build would not have been possible without a strong team, including Dan Ralston and Andy Strukel, who both volunteered their time for all three days of the installation.”

Cavey added that the purchase of the playground equipment would not have been possible without community support of fund-raisers over the years and the commitment of YGS parents and staff to host those successful events, including the annual Yorkville Daddy Daughter Dance.

Additionally, many area businesses contributed to the installation effort through donations to feed volunteer crews. They include Jersey Mike’s of Oswego, Jimmy John’s of Yorkville, Papa John’s of Yorkville and Wal-Mart of Plano.

The project was completed June 8 and the playground will be open for visitors this summer. The YGS PTO also hopes to host an official grand opening at the start of the 2013-2014 school year. 

All photos provided by Rosie Ralston