Goal Set For Hartman School Playground Renovation

Twenty years ago, the Hartman School Playground was built. The playground had been originally intended to be used by children with ages ranging from 5-12, however in 2011 the district was restructured and now the playground is used mostly by children in the ages of 10-12.

“Our students thrive in their education when physical activity is maximized,” said Principle Frank Keally in an email to EllwoodCity.org staff.

The Hartman staff and Principal Frank Keally have initiated a campaign in hopes of making the playground a more “big kid friendly” area while also making it safer.

The project itself will cost more than $130,000, which the district has already placed partial funding. In addition to the district, multiple other groups have donated money towards the renovation of the playground:

• the ECE PTO has given a $10,000 commitment to the project generously.
• A private, anonymous donor has agreed to a donation of up to $10,000 as well. Matching new contributions made by local businesses, organizations, and individuals.
• The staff and Keally have also applied for several grants including the Lowe’s Grant.

Along with local businesses that received a solicitation letter, the public can also make donations. Donations can be made out to Ellwood City Area School District and mailed to Mr. Frank Keally at 410 Fourth Street, Elwood City, PA 16117.

The planned renovation is intended to make the playground feel larger than what it is, make it able to be used more often, and give it a “flow”. Renovation will begin once all donations and fundraising has ceased. There is a current goal of at least $10,000 by the end of October.

If funding goes as planned, Keally wants to start renovation by June or July, since the renovation itself will only take up to two weeks. Keally has hopes if all goes to plan, the playground will be up and running for the 2019-2020 school year.

Already, there has been a removal of three pieces of broken equipment. The playground itself can be described as disjointed, this is emphasized by the elevation of the mulch by the equipment which was necessary for safety. The elevation makes the already small, landlocked playground seem even smaller.

Renovations to the playground will include a safety rubber surface to be poured after the removal of the  timbers and mulch onto the playground. The rubber surface will level the playground, giving it a much better flow thus allowing the kids to move more freely and make the playground seem bigger.

In addition to the rubber surface, a Ga-Ga pit is planned to be added. The Ga-Ga will allow kids to play a safer, and more contained, version of dodge ball. Along with the pit, two shade structures with four benches each will be placed into the area.

For more information you can contact Frank Keally at 724-752-1591 ext. 2999, 1999.