Pictured are Mackenzie Preston, Kase Keefe, Kaylyn Walters, Andrea Munsee-Wellman, Emily Swart, Amy Preston, Cole Gleason, Jacob Mountain, Josh Liddell, Joe Steger, Marie Johnston, Holly Coomer, Sarah Morrison and Megan Lundgren. Submitted photo

The Chautauqua Lake Central School District has welcomed its students back with a new playground.

Superintendent Josh Liddell noted the collaboration that went into this portion of Chautauqua Lake’s larger capital project. “We are all very excited to cut the ribbon and open up our new playground. The playground is going to be a wonderful asset that our students and community can use for many years to come. Our committee, which was made up of teachers, administrators, and parents, put in a lot of time to ensure the final product was something we all can be proud of.”

The playground incorporates a new rubberized safety surface that is 5 inches deep and fully ADA compliant. Another key component is the improved access with a new set of stairs leading directly to the playground from the parking lot alongside a winding hill slide that will enable students to slide into their new play area.

Lastly, in order to ensure student safety, a new fence was added that surrounds the entire playground.

The district worked closely with Parkitects and Clark Patterson Lee Architectural design firm to select equipment and a color scheme. The playground was strategically designed with an area of equipment for children ages 2-5, an area for 5-12, and a fitness course for all ages. The 2-5 and 5-12 areas are encircled by a walking track that also separates the fitness course. In conjunction with the major playground improvements, the area of land adjacent to the playground has been transformed into a lined practice field that includes new soccer goals and field goal posts.

“The design of this playground was particularly built around a few components,” said elementary physical education teacher Cole Gleason. “We wanted a playground that would accommodate all ages, even for adults, who can walk the track around the perimeter and a playground that would encourage creativity and physical fitness.

Elementary Principal Megan Lundgren added, “In addition to the innovative equipment, we also prioritized creating a playground that was welcoming and more accessible to the community. Over the past several months, it’s been exciting to see everything come together, and we can’t wait for our students to get out there and play come September.”