Herman L. Horn Elementary School celebrated the renovated playground at the Title I “Picnic at the Playground” night on April 28.
The Herman L. Horn PTA funded several pieces of new equipment to spruce up the playground– a Jet Stream Climber and a Tri-Shape rock wall, along with a new “Buddy” bench.
A large crowd of families turned out for the Title I event which included not just the playground dedication, but Domino’s pizza and free books for students to encourage summer reading. Some families spread out blankets on the ground for the picnic; others gathered under the picnic pavilion which was donated to the school several years ago by the Vinton Breakfast Lions Club.
PTA President Victoria Rosenberg welcomed guests and described the process of funding, acquiring, and installing the new equipment. She commended HLH Principal Julie Sandzimier and PTA members Erin Berry and Becky Caldwell for the time they spent researching and facilitating the selection and purchase of the new pieces.
When asked what children love to do most on the playground, Sandzimier told the PTA that climbing is definitely most children’s favorite activity; that led to the decision on what to purchase. The playground footprint was expanded just slightly to accommodate the new equipment, and new mulch was added.
The PTA has sponsored numerous Fun Runs and other events over the years to accumulate the funds to purchase the new equipment. In recent years, the group funded a “Leveled Reading Library” for the school.
The donation from the PTA is actually for the entire community, as the track and playground are open to the public after school hours.
