The future playground photo mounted on the walls of Southeast Elementary School is officially coming to life.
School staff, parents and community volunteers began piecing together equipment for the neighborhoo’s only playground Friday, which happens to be housed on the Southeast campus.
“What you see here is the community park,” said Principal Nakia Williams. “The kids in the community use this. … This is not just a Southeast Elementary park, it’s a part of (Kinston/Lenoir County) Parks and Recreation, and so that’s a good thing.”
About 20 volunteers constructed age-appropriate playground gear as the school was able to purchase all the equipment on its wish list, which was displayed through a photo hanging at the front of Southeast.
In December, the Ronald McDonald House of Charities presented a $25,000 grant to the school for the park. Students and staff had already raised $11,000 and the state provided Southeast with $12,500.
The playground equipment was purchased from Miracle, a recreation equipment company based in Chicago for about $41,500.
Williams said a six-person planning committee decided on the company to fit their budget.
She said both Parks and Recreation and Lenoir County Schools offered to assist with the set-up if Southeast could rally volunteers. A Parks and Recreation team was among Friday’s volunteers.
“It’s nice to get support from the community,” Williams said. “The biggest piece is we’re glad we’re getting it up before the end of the school year. Our fifth graders who were part of the beginning process when they were third graders are getting a chance to experience it before they leave campus.”
Fourth grade student Dylan Modlin said he remembers when the McDonalds grant was awarded.
“I feel excited about it,” said Modlin, 9, who added he is looking forward to playing on the swing set.
Swings were already part of the once-desolate play area, but they will now be accompanied by an upgraded jungle gym that was constructed into Saturday. No completion date has been set, but volunteers hope it turns the community around.
“This community is known for a lot of violence,” said volunteer Tavaris Jordan, who has a nephew attending the school. “I think it’s good to give back to the community.”
Grandparent Ina Lofton, who Williams said attends many school activities, wore a straw hat and got to work Friday.
“(I’m active) to let people know I’m trying to get involved in what they’re doing,” she said. “I believe it’s going to improve the community so much, plus give the kids somewhere to play. It’s a good activity for them and will keep them out of trouble. (They) can come over here and play instead of doing other things.”
During school hours, the park will be opened to only Southeast students but will extend to all other children after school.
“It’s a real community effort,” Williams said. “Everybody is playing their part to help out.”
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at jessika.morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan