Maplemere School fundraising for new, $95,000 playground
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The Maplemere Elementary School Playground Committee needs to raise $95,000 to buy a new playground, pictured above. The current wooden playground is 18 years old.

For now it's all work - then will come time for play.

A Maplemere Elementary School Playground Committee of parents and staff has been created to raise the $95,000 needed to build a new playground.

Principal Ann Laudisio is also on the committee, which has raised $25,000.

"Its really going to be great," she said, adding that the equipment will be handicapped-accessible and designed to promote fitness and imaginative play.

Laudisio said a lot of research went into the design of the new playground, which will replace the 18-year-old existing structure.

"It no longer fits the school's needs; its one of those old wooden playgrounds," she said, adding that there are parts that no longer work.

The new playground, by GameTime, will feature five stations, which respond to the growing concerns of childhood obesity - teaching children how to be active. A climbing wall will be included.

Fundraisers will be taking place throughout the year, and the committee is waiting to hear about grant possibilities. The goal is to install the new playground in the spring or fall of 2009.

The next fundraiser, McTeacher Night, will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 at McDonalds Restaurant at 1385 Niagara Falls Blvd. Teachers from the school will work the drive-through and counter for a night, and 20 percent of the sales will go to the playground fund.

Maplemere is also selling Spirit Wear, clothing that promotes the school. The committee held a spaghetti dinner recently that raised $5,500.

For information, visit the school's Web site at http://maplemere. shs. k12. ny. us.

GameTime has posted information about how children develop during free play at school. They address subjects such as obesity, and several stages of development - emotional, cognitive, social and physical.

Playgrounds can be custom designed and Maplemere's reflects the needs of the school, according to Laudisio.

For information on Game- Time, visit www.gametime. com.