Volunteers pieced together the bulk of John W. Decas Elementary’s new playground in the spring of 2012, enthusiastic volunteers quickly built the swing set just before school started this year, and on Sunday, September 22, a structure designed for younger children will complete the playground build.

The playground was fully funded by donations and built by community volunteers and school district staff. Heavy-lifters are needed once again for the final build.

“It should go quickly,” noted Jenn MacKerron, who spearheaded the fundraising effort with the school’s Playground Committee. MacKerron works in the school’s front office.

The final piece features three slides, a tube to crawl through, and other gizmos and gadgets.

The equipment replaces an older, outdated structure that was recently torn down by a team from the school district’s building and grounds department to make room for the new piece.

The swing set was purchased in May, but the school wasn’t able to get it constructed before school ended.

“Chip DeBlois, one of our parents, knew that it was here and worked with the town” to get it built, explained MacKerron.

DeBlois and fellow volunteers — James Brandolini, Roger Brousseau, and Mark Debonise — worked with Dave Menard, interim director of the town’s Municipal Maintenance Department, and his team to get the swings together.

“And they had it ready for the first day of school,” said MacKerron.

MacKerron and Principal Christine Panarese thanked the volunteers and the town and School Department workers for their help.

“We need to take our hats off to them,” said Panarese. “We have been very, very, very lucky.”

Want to help with the final phase of the build? Stop by Decas Elementary, located at 760 Main Street, at 7 a.m. on Sunday, September 22. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Children will not be permitted in the area of the build.

For more information, contact Jenn MacKerron at the school at 508-291-3530.