Jim Houghton, a designer from the Leather and Associates company out of New York, came to Throop Elementary on November 6 and 7 to design a unique playground for the students. Leather and Associates have designed playgrounds all over the country, including Mitchell and Salem’s community playgrounds.

Houghton visited the playground site and went on a tour of the community to see local and historical landmarks that may be incorporated into the playground. Not only did Houghton meet with the playground committee, but he brainstormed ideas with students from different grade levels to get their opinions. 

“On Thursday morning, he met with students at Throop in 15 minute ‘brainstorming’ sessions with each grade level. On Thursday afternoon, he took all of the information gathered from the committee and students and began to design our one-of-a-kind playground,” said Playground Committee member Holly Vincent. 

On November 7 at 6:30 p.m., Houghton and the Playground Committee hosted a presentation open to the public to show the plans for the new playground. The Elementary Choir students did a short presentation and sang two songs about the new playground as well.

“Jim revealed our playground and then there was a volunteer sign up and fundraising tables in the foyer. We also had fun activities in the auxiliary gym, along with refreshments,” said Vincent. 

Anyone is welcome to sign up to help build and fundraise for the playground once the design is ready.

“The playground will benefit our whole community. It is also a ‘community build,’ which means WE will build the playground,” said Vincent. 

The community, faculty and students are looking forward to seeing the new elementary playground and the fun that will surround it.