Make room for more fun
Published 5:01 am Sunday, August 11, 2013
Sumner Elementary students play a pick-up game of soccer during recess Thursday on the school’s new play area. Rubber tiles compose the play surface, giving the students a safer area. — Alex Smith/alex.smith@austindailyherald.com
Students at Sumner Elementary will have a new option of what to do at recess this year.
The previous playground occupying the space just outside the main doors was torn down and replaced with a soccer field.
Sumner Elementary students play a pick-up game of soccer during Thursday’s recess on the school’s new play area. The area replaces playground equipment that once stood in that part of the school.
Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Construction began July 1 and finished on schedule last Friday in preparation for the upcoming school year.
The new setup includes two new soccer nets and rubber tiles on the surface of the ground. The new field will allow new activities to be taught in gym class.
According to Principal Sheila Berger, the students are pleased with the project.
“They seem to be really excited,” Berger said.
Students aren’t the only ones who are happy with the new setup, however.
“In the evening, it’s been really popular with the neighborhood,” Berger said.
The total amount spent on the project was $62,837, which came from health and safety revenue in the district budget.
Surfacing and equipment were the main reasons for redoing the lot, but the border surrounding the area was also falling apart.
“The equipment didn’t meet code, so it had to come out,” Berger said.
Further down the road, Berger is hoping to fundraise for stand-alone equipment, but for now, the students are pleased with their new field.
“The kids are very excited to play some soccer,” Berger said
