New Playground at Meadowvale Elementary Sets New Standard for District

For many years around ISD 728, parent and teacher groups such as PTAs or PTOs (depending on the school) took on the responsibility of managing and improving their school's playground. It seemed, after all, like a natural partnership that would benefit kids and keep students and families safe on up-to-date equipment in a school's backyard. 

Until it didn't. 

Like everything, costs for playground equipment rose exponentially over the last 25 years. Safety standards changed. And that old sand and/or woodchip base just wasn't the way to go after scrapes, cuts and splinters. 

So, in the wake of the success of the 2019 referendum and bonding campaign, leadership reexamined the playground improvement plans. 

"This isn't something our District should be relying on parent/teacher groups for any longer," said then-Superintendent Dan Bittman. "Those days have kind of come and gone. First, this is just something we, as a District, should do for our students and families. In addition, there are other ways these parent-teacher groups can show their support that are equally as important as a playground." 

The transition allowed for new plans to arise, setting new standards. And the first true example of that standard was unveiled to all students at Meadowvale Elementary School last week with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

The new MES playground features a textured rubber surface that is both safe for kids using the playground and accessible to all students. The Mustangs celebrated that by having former MES student and current Elk River High freshman Mason Powell do the honors by cutting the ribbon and then wheeling his special chair onto the playground. 

"You can imagine that for Mason, he couldn't really do that with the old surface we had here," said Principal Karen Maschler. "He couldn't roll through those wood chips very easily, or the edging around the playground. So now, if you're on crutches, or in a wheelchair, all of our friends can join us on our new playground." 

The new set features bridges, walkways, chairs, a special merry-go-round (that's much safer than the one you probably remember at your park), and much more. 

Board members John Anderson, Sara Weis and Shane Steinbrecher also joined in at the ribbon cutting, along with School Resource Officer Grace O'Konek of Elk River Police Department - who is also a former Mustang!