After more than a year of safety concerns, the playground equipment at Decas Elementary school was torn down on May 15.

The removal of the nearly 15 year old equipment came as good news for members of the recently formed Playground Committee, comprised of parents and faculty from the Decas School.

“There have been a number of accidents that told us the playground was unsafe,” explained Colleen DeGowin, a parent who helped organize the group. "Removing the structure was the first step.

There have been safety concerns for children who played on the equipment since last school year. DeGowin said last November her son broke his elbow while using the aged equipment. Some of the equipment has been blocked off to students for months.

The updated playground will cater to students of all ages and will be handicap accessible, DeGowin said.

The playground structures were torn down completely with the help of Mazzoli and Son Trucking. The company donated time and manpower to remove the the old equipment.

The Mazzolis, who own the company, have three children who will be attending Decas Elementary when they are old enough.

DeGowin said that many of the students' parents have been donating time and money to make purchasing the new equipment possible.

“It is important for the kids to have a safe playground,” DeGowin said. “Right now, we are fighting obesity and children not being active. We are in the age of video games and television. We want to promote activity at the school.”

The committee, which formed in December, has raised $10,000 to update the playground. The full cost is estimated to be $100,000 for all the new equipment.DeGowin said the committee will use the money that has been raised to begin purchasing and installing new equipment in phases.

"The kids can still play where the playground used to stand," DeGowin said. "We are hoping to buy balls and hula hoops to keep them busy until the new equipment can start being put in."

The committee hopes to continue its fundraising efforts through upcoming bake sales, a yard sale, and a bike-a-thon.

DeGowin said they will be applying for grants to help cover the costs. The committee was recently awarded a $2,500 grant from CVS.

The committee has also designed a blown glass bead with the help of MyCape/MyTown Designs for the Decas Playground. The bead can be added to any charm bracelet. It costs $20 and can be purchased at the Old Company Store or through the Decas School. All the proceeds benefit the playground.

The Committee next meets on Thursday, May 26, at 6:30 pm at Decas Elementary School.