Mayes gives thanks for beautiful new playground

Thanksgiving came early to Mayes Elementary this year.

Exactly one week and a day before the nation paused to give thanks for bountiful blessings, several hundred students, staff, families and school supporters gathered in the crisp morning air outside Mayes’ west entrance to dedicate and celebrate the school’s grand new playground.

“So many wonderful people made this possible,” said Mayes Principal Natalie Hicks before cutting the ribbon that stretched across the east side of the playground. “Our hard-working PTO officers and members who gave of their time and resources, our students who fund-raised and worked so hard to help make this dream a reality, and some extremely generous donors who ensured the success of this project. We can’t thank each and every one of you enough.”

A huge round of thankful applause erupted from the crowd, quickly followed by a mass movement of first-graders eager to break in the new playground equipment, which includes a large new swing set, climbing and sliding poles, two interactive slide sets (one for younger students as well as a larger one for older kids), balance beams, overhead rings, a rock climbing wall, various fitness bars and ladders, strength and agility equipment --- all set on a soft surface designed to cushion falls and keep kids safe.

“These kiddos are so appreciative and proud of this new playground…and so excited to see this day finally arrive,” said Hicks. “We’ve been talking about it and working toward our goal for some time now, so they really feel pride and ownership in it. It’s great to see the smiles and excitement on their faces…they’re having a ball! All our grade levels will have their turn to play and join in the celebration throughout the day. We’re all just very very grateful and blessed to have so many people who care about our kids and our schools. This truly is an early Thanksgiving for all of us!”

Climbing and sliding were among many fun activities that students enjoyed during dedication ceremonies for the new Mayes Elementary playground.“These kiddos are so appreciative and proud of this new playground…and so excited to see this day finally arrive,” said Mayes Principal Natalie Hicks.

Mayes Elementary’s new playground includes a wide variety of play and exercise equipment, including numerous fitness stations and balance bars that help kids develop balance and agility skills.

:Mayes first graders gathered with teachers, families and school supporters the week before Thanksgiving to dedicate the school’s new playground. “So many wonderful people made this possible,” said Mayes Principal Natalie Hicks. “Our hard-working PTO officers and members, our students who fund-raised to help make this dream a reality, and some extremely generous donors who ensured the success of this project. We can’t thank each and every one of you enough.”

Interactive slides and equipment on Mayes Elementary School’s new playground help students improve their strength, coordination and endurance while also developing social skills and learning to play well with others.

The new rock climbing wall on Mayes’ recently installed new playground attracted a steady stream of adventurous climbers during its first day open to students. “We’re all just very grateful and blessed to have so many people who care about our kids and our school,” said Principal Natalie Hicks. “This is truly an early Thanksgiving for all of us!”