Elm Grove Elementary opened their new playgrounds to the public on April 5 after much anticipation. The construction took six months from November until April. The playground features many different types of activities like swings, tall slides and other hands-on equipment.

“The new playgrounds provide opportunities for imaginative play,” Elm Grove principal Cassie Pfeifer said. “There’s additional types of equipment, such as swings and a pour in place play surface for fall protection and handicap accessibility.”

Installing new playgrounds was needed in order for the students of Elm Grove Elementary to have a safe, fun playground to play on during recess. The previous playgrounds had rust and various unsafe types of equipment. Because of a recent bond that was passed, every elementary school playground in Humble ISD is being rebuilt with safety and fun in mind.

“Students are enjoying the new features that are now a part of the playground,” Pfeifer said. “This is especially true of the swings. This is the first time we have had swings at EGE in many years.”

With construction taking six months to complete, many students and staff had anticipated opening day. During this time, teachers had to buy their own equipment to keep the students entertained in a small environment. Because of this, the day the playground opening was a day full of excitement.

“I will never forget the way my fourth graders screamed like it was Christmas morning when they ran out the fourth grade doors in anticipation of seeing the new playground for the first time,” said Anita McKeague, a 4th grade teacher at Elm Grove Elementary. “It had been five months that they patiently waited and I will always remember how their eyes lit up.”

The new playgrounds have brought the community together after school as well. Many people goto the playgrounds to have picnics or simply just to play with friends. 

“I see so many families playing together after school, rather than being at home.” McKeague said. “They are interacting more, which also helps form new friendships between kids and parents in the community. Our kids take pride in our playground.”