PARK RIDGE, N.J.—The West Ridge PTO has officially opened a new upper elementary playground designed to give fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students a dedicated place to stay active, socialize and connect during the school day.
The PTO said the project grew out of a need for age-appropriate play space for older elementary students. Existing playground equipment primarily served younger children, while upper-grade students needed a place where they could move, gather and play, including students who might not gravitate toward organized sports.
To move the project forward, the PTO formed a Playground Committee led by Taylor Keenan. What was initially expected to be a two-year effort was completed in six months, with support from local sponsors, donors, families and the West Ridge community.
The PTO marked the playground’s opening on May 21 with school leaders, donors, students, families and community members.
“This playground is more than just new equipment,” said West Ridge PTO President Caley Svensson. “It represents what can happen when a community comes together around a shared goal. We wanted to create a space where our upper elementary students could be active, social, and included, and we are incredibly proud to see that vision become a reality.”
The West Ridge PTO thanked the Playground Committee, local sponsors, school administration, families and donors for helping complete the project.
The new playground includes a main structure that can accommodate up to 50 students, along with two large spinners, tetherball and seating.
— Via Caley Svensson, WR PTO president