Volunteers put the final touches on the new John W. Decas Elementary playground on Saturday, April 21, to the delight of many of the children who were at the school's fields for youth sporting events. They were among the first to try it out!

Though the bulk of the build was completed on April 14, a second shipment of equipment -- including a tire swing and interactive pieces such as bongos -- arrived later in the week, making it another busy Saturday for volunteers.

Saturday's build completed the first and second phases of the new playground, for which the school's Playground Committee had been raising money for approximately 15 months.

"Phase 2," which included the myriad of interactive pieces that went up on Saturday, was a gift from Decas teacher Janice Campagnone.

The Playground Committee's work isn't done yet, however! Members are continuing to raise funds to purchase a swing set.

The school had been without much of a playground for about a year, after aged, unsafe equipment was torn down. The sole piece of equipment that remained remaining has been painted to match the new playground.

Volunteers spread wood chips around the entire area on Saturday. Most students will try out the equipment for the first time next week, when school reopens after spring break.

Did you miss the initial story about the Decas playground build? Click here to get up to speed!