Elementary gets grant to for new playscape feature

The Waterford School District has seen one of its elementary schools receive a grant to help its students enjoy a better recess.

Houghton Elementary School has been awarded a $15,000 grant from Dr. Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) and the national non-profit organization called KaBOOM! for the installation of a playscape adjacent to the school’s building and existing ballfields.

The grant program, known as the “Let’s Play Community Construction Grant,” will allow for new equipment to be purchased, which may include platforms with stairs, slides, overhead events, climbing structures, and a manipulable panel that promotes developmental skills.

Houghton Elementary’s grant award and subsequent project will help meet the goal of “Let’s Play,” which is to build or rehabilitate 2,000 playgrounds by the end of 2013 and benefit an estimated 5 million children across North America.

This effort is part of a $15 million partnership between DPS and KaBOOM! that was started in 2011. The Houghton Elementary Parent-Teacher Association is heading the effort for the playscape construction.

KaBOOM! is a non-profit organization geared toward helping construct new playgrounds or implement improvements at older playgrounds.