Jefferson Elementary asking community to vote for new playground

[November 05, 2011]  If it takes a village to raise a child, then maybe a community can build a playground. That is what Jefferson Elementary School in Lincoln is hoping will happen. The school's playground equipment is outdated and limited. There are only three swings, and the most recent addition to the playground is too small to accommodate many children. Students at Jefferson are pre-K through second grade. But there may be a solution, and that is where everyone can help.

Lacey Buss, president of the Parent-Teacher Organization at Jefferson, is a grants administrator for the Partnership for a Connected Illinois. The organization has business connections to Team Reil, a playground distributor. Lacey asked representatives from the company to notify her of grant opportunities when they were announced. Something has surfaced that could be the answer to the school's dilemma.

An opportunity is being offered by Missouri-based Miracle Recreation Equipment Co., sponsor of a contest for a new playground. Voting from across the country will determine 10 finalists. After those top finalists are announced, the lucky entrants must submit a short video "that clearly displays to the sponsor why their public or private school should receive the Grand Prize." The video must be between three and 10 minutes and will be posted on YouTube.

Voting has begun on Facebook and will continue until Nov. 21. The PTO is preparing a video because it must be posted immediately after notification of being chosen as a finalist. The group is thinking positive that it will receive that notice. The winner of the grand prize will be notified on Nov. 22.

The PTO at Jefferson sponsors fundraisers for miscellaneous needs at the school, but like others, they are now challenged to bridge the gap once covered by funding that has been cut. A new playground could cost $30,000 to $35,000. It would take a small group like a PTO up to 10 years to save that much money -- if there were no other expenses.

To help Jefferson Elementary School in the voting process, go to www.tinyurl.com/jeffersonplayground. Voters can visit the site more than once a day, and if everyone continues to vote regularly, Jefferson Elementary could possibly be in line for new playground equipment the school really needs. It is a community project that would last for years and provide countless hours of enjoyment for many children. Vote now and vote often.

[By MARLA BLAIR]