IT WASN’T all child’s play for the parents who put in the hard graft, but they have been rewarded in smiles from the children of Parteen National School, who are delighted with their bright newly rejuvenated playground.
The playground, originally funded by the school’s parent body nearly a decade ago, has long been a cherished part of school life, with features like the big yellow bus, the storytime chair, and kitchen area becoming highlights of the children’s daily routines.
But after years of exposure to the elements, wear and tear began to show, and a recent risk assessment led the Board of Management to make the difficult decision to temporarily close the playground for safety reasons.
That’s when the parents stepped in to make a difference. When school principal Miriam Smyth put out a call for help, the response was overwhelming.
Parents, many armed with tools, paintbrushes, and professional skills, rallied around to restore the playground, logging an incredible 300 volunteer hours.
Caring parents arrived day after day, sanding and repainting every piece of wood, replacing worn-out sections, and ensuring that all areas met the highest safety standards.
The project was further supported by a generous sponsorship from Parteen’s local Co-Op Superstore, who donated the majority of the paint needed to bring the playground back to life.
The grand reopening took place after the midterm break.
Principal Smyth expressed her gratitude for the remarkable effort, saying that the “playground revitalisation truly highlights the strength of our school community”.
“It’s a wonderful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together. The joy on the children’s faces today is a testament to the love and effort our parents poured into this project.”
