New Play Area Built for Primary School

Upon becoming superintendent of last year, Dr. Brian White Jr. had an idea to expand the primary school’s play area for its approximately 750 students.

The expansion of the new playground wrapped up this past weekend, just past White’s one-year anniversary with the district.

The new play area, which sports Chartiers Valley red and blue paint, has two twisting slides, a small rock climbing wall, a single person merry-go-round and several other fun amenities the students will enjoy when returning back to school in the fall.

“Kids will now have more of an opportunity during their recess to have more physical activity,” said Nicholas Morelli, who is the director of finance.

White had approached the school board during last year's budget negotiations and they were very supportive of his proposal.

“I give credit to the superintendent and the school board,” said Morelli. “They had a vision and they went with it.”

The newly added play area is coupled with an existing playground. Morelli added this is the first time the school is upgrading and expanding that equipment.

“We moved the existing play area two years ago when the district put on an addition,” Morelli said.

The equipment, provided by Snider & Associates, is certified to meet playground safety standards and includes two large canopies which provide 97 percent protection from ultraviolet rays. Additionally, the district added synthetic turf which is soft and has “spring-back” technology.

Morelli knows the students will be excited about their new space and he envisions adding another play area to the mix in the future.