OSHKOSH (WLUK) — Community members gathered Tuesday to celebrate the completion of a $540,000 playground revitalization project at an Oshkosh elementary school.
After months of construction, a grand opening event was held to unveil the newly-renovated playground and outdoor learning spaces at Read Elementary School. Features of the fire station-themed playground include:
- Fire truck play structure
- Swings
- Ninja obstacle course
- Book walk
- Musical instruments
- Performance stage
- Outdoor classroom
- Community gardens
- Little free library
- Tree-to-tree walk
- Cedar playhouse
Read Elementary students, families, neighbors and staff in attendance at Tuesday’s grand opening event were treated to a number of festivities. Along with a real fire truck on site, there was a meet-and-greet with Marshall from Paw Patrol and Firefighter John from the Oshkosh Fire Department (OFD), as well as free face painting, Kona ice and books. Will Nye the DJ Guy provided a musical playlist while children explored the new playground.
To go along with the fire station theme, officials also held a “fire hose uncoupling” ceremony — a firefighter tradition that signifies the end of a successful project. OFD Chief Mike Stanley offered remarks.
“It truly is a transformation of our site here at Read Elementary,” said Principal Emily Eisenschink. “What’s really important is that the outside of our building represents the great things that are going on inside.”
They had talked about a place where kids can imagine themselves as being a firefighter when they grow up. So that career-based, future-focused, and also, I always like to see kids elevate themselves to the role of the rescuer, the hero. That they can problem solve and save the day, and now they can play that on the playground.
Read Elementary’s playground revitalization project has been supported by more than 20 local businesses and organizations and many individual donors.