Playground equipment is a common sight at Ramsey and Sanford Elementary schools, but not at Montevideo Middle School. The lack of such equipment is not because there is no need, but because there is not enough money.
A group called P.L.A.Y. (Positive Lifestyles for Active Youth) is actively pursuing funding to rectify that situation.
Back in the spring of 2008 a group of individuals from Montevideo Middle School and the community formed P.L.A.Y. to explore the possibility of providing playground equipment for students at the middle school.
The group raised enough money with its first fundraiser to purchase basketball hoops and to put in a tarred court. It was a start, but with the move of the fourth-graders this fall to the middle school, the need for adequate playground equipment becomes more pressing.
The group is resuming fundraising efforts today (April 1) as it pursues its goal of raising $50,000. When complete, the playground will cover an area nearly 46-feet-by-124-feet.
Because of the support of a variety of donors over the past year, P.L.A.Y. is well on its way to reaching the $50,000 goal, having raised $27,000.
“If we are able to raise the remaining $23,000, we plan on completing the next phase in our plan,” said teacher Becki Marotzke. “Our vision is to have a community-build in August to construct our playground for all students and the community to use this fall.”
The second phase includes a wide variety of playground equipment, including a wall climber, jungle gym and swings.
“Our optimism about this project couldn’t have been possible without the support from local businesses and organizations, community members, school board, school district employees, and students at the middle school,” said Marotzke. “We would like to extend our thanks to all our supporters. We wouldn’t be where we are today without their wonderful support.”
There are four support categories:
• Purple Bracket (up to $99) — six donors thus far
• Gold Bracket ($100-$499) — five donors listed
• Junior Thunder Hawk Bracket ($500-$999) — no donors at this time
• Thunder Hawk Bracket ($1,000 and more) — seven donors: Walmart, Nutrition & Fitness Task Force, Kiwanis, Lions, KleinBank, Minnwest Bank, Knights of Columbus.
