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There could be a new sliding board and monkey bars awaiting Woodsdale Elementary School students when they return to the school's playground in the fall.
A drive to raise money for playground improvements has surpassed the $100,000 mark, meaning plans can start to purchase and install new playground equipment this summer, according to Principal Ashlea Minch.
"I had said before if we raised more than $100,000, we would start purchasing the equipment," she said. "We are over $100,000 at this point, and we are in the discussions of what to buy and purchasing items. My guess is by fall, we will be seeing some playground equipment at the playground."
A sliding board and monkey boards likely will come to the school, and maybe a merry-go-round or a rock-climbing wall, she said.
There will be no swings on the playground, however. A swing installation requires "an absurd amount" of resurfacing of asphalt with a rubberized safety compound, which makes the project cost-prohibitive, according to Minch.
The surface is required under all playground equipment.
A new fence surrounding the playground already is in place at a cost of about $25,000. An anonymous donor paid for the fence, with the Ohio County Board of Education kicking in additional money for its installation.
Sixty safety bollards also were placed along the Bethany Pike side of the playground to separate the area from traffic on the highway. Bushes and landscaping now will be placed along the fence line.
"This project is as much a beautification project as it is a safety project," Minch said.
The new playground also will be handicapped-accessible.
"That was of huge importance to me," she said. "I wanted the playground to be one all students can use."
Minch said the school was "very fortunate" to receive the donations it has. Some of the money has come from charitable trusts.
Those still wishing to donate to the playground should contact the school at 304-243-0378.