New playground will offer opportunity for activity at Acmetonia Elementary this fall

When Amy Sarno enrolled her son at Acmetonia Elementary School two years ago, they were disappointed to learn the school had no playground.

“I really just assumed all elementary schools had a playground,” said Sarno, who is now a member of the Allegheny Valley School Board.

For the first time in more than 10 years, students at the school will have a playground when they return to class in the fall.

Crews from Play & Park Structures broke ground on a playground at the school in Harmar this week. The cost was not to exceed $155,000 and will be paid for using capital reserve funds.

“The playground will provide plenty of opportunities for socialization and meaningful lessons on social skills,” said Principal Greg Heavner. “Active play provides an effective outlet for helping children process their emotions and improve their mental health.”

The structure could be complete by next week, Sarno said.

The playground’s main structure will have five slides, climbing apparatuses and a bridge.

A corner of the playground will have a poured-in-place floor with a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round. The mulch surface is also wheelchair accessible.

Sarno joined the school’s PTA and was appointed, and later elected, to the district’s school board. Those two groups worked with district administrators to propose a playground project plan. A community survey showed the public’s interest in creating the playground.

“So many people highlighted physical benefits and also the mental health benefits,” Sarno said.

Heavner said that physical activity can be beneficial for emotional well-being, and “the thoughts and emotions children experience on the playground during unstructured playtime are beneficial, as well.

“For example, they can process emotions through imaginary play and learn how to overcome fears by exploring and using our new pieces of playground equipment,” he said.

Equipment included in the school’s playground can help children to meet or exceed recommended daily physical activity, Heavner said.

“Unlike going to a gym, this kind of physical activity simply feels like fun and games rather than a chore,” he said. “When kids see exercising as an enjoyable experience, that builds strength. It encourages them and sets the foundation for an active lifestyle as they become older.”

Sarno recognized the collaboration between district administrators, the school board, PTA and parents to have the playground project come to fruition.

“It was a collaborative, joyous process,” she said.