Monday, August 18, was a typical first day of school at Lake Lucina Elementary – students started a new grade, met their new teacher and spent the day in a new classroom. What wasn’t so typical for the elementary students was their opportunity to participate in a dedication ceremony for their new playground.
The playground has been a work in progress for nearly three years, and became a joint venture between the school and the City of Jacksonville, thanks in large part to the assistance of City Councilman Clay Yarborough.
When Councilman Yarborough stopped by Lake Lucina last school year to meet the principal, students and staff, he told them to let him know if they needed anything. Immediately, Principal Jana Grenier told Yarborough about the school’s need for a new play area.
Although her students, PTA members and local families had raised nearly $9,000 for the playground by donating spare change over the past few years, they still needed additional funds to make the new play area a reality. Councilman Yarborough stepped in and provided the school with more than $25,000.
During the dedication, Principal Grenier, School Board Chair Betty Burney and Councilman Yarborough officially opened the playground with a ribbon cutting ceremony while students, parents and faculty members cheered them on. Afterwards, the students spent some time breaking in their new play equipment.
The playground, which is next to Lake Lucina Elementary Park, will also be open to community members for use during the evenings and weekends.
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