Alpine Crest Elementary School in Red Bank, Tenn., has recently been designated a Play On! National Demonstration Site focusing on youth fitness.
The new playground officially opened May 17 at the elementary school with a ribbon cutting by the school Principal Norma Faerber, a major supporter of this project. This playground demonstrates the community’s commitment to promoting youth fitness and outdoor learning.
“This project has really brought the community together to revive this school’s playground for kids to have fun and be safe at the same time,” says Crystal Swanson of Alpine Crest PTA.
Through local fundraising efforts the school was able to raise the funds to replace the 40-year-old playground. Some fundraisers included the Moon Pie Festival and Penny Wars. Donations from the Red Bank Masonic Lodge, Community Foundation, the Second Annual Big Cat Open Golf Tournament, and a donation from the Wild family in honor of their son, Alpine Crest alumnus Matthew Wild, helped the school reach their playground funding goal.
PlayCore recognizes Alpine Crest Elementary School as a Play On! National Demonstration Site following the research and programming of the Play On! Program, designed by PlayCore and scholar partner, SHAPE America, as it promotes physical activity through the six elements of play to create developmentally appropriate challenges and fun for all.
To continue to celebrate Alpine Crest Elementary’s commitment to advancing play and recreation through best practices, the school will receive a certificate of recognition, become a part of a network of potential research sites, and will be promoted actively to other communities wishing to create recreation spaces using design and/or programming.
