This school year, the almost 500 students at Wacousta Elementary in the Grand Ledge district have had to get creative during recess, by making up games or playing tag. These kids are in need of a playground.
"We really want a new playground to have something to do so we don't just have to imagine everything," says third grader Brady Stefanick.
About a year ago, the community learned that the beloved 'Dream Depot" playground would have to be torn down because of safety issues. Now, the structure is gone, and everyone at Wacousta is pitching in to get a brand new playground.
"It really has been hard work, we've been doing lots of donations," says second grade student Alex McKennon.
Wacousta is responsible for all the funding. Students, parents, teachers and staff have raised about $60,000, edging closer to the $170,000 total they need.
Right now, students are fundraising, selling boards that will go to build the new structure.
"You can pay three dollars to buy a board to help build our new playground," says Carson Lemon, a fourth grader at Wacousta.
Some students are even building picture frames and chairs with their parents from the old boards from the Dream Depot, and selling them to help raise money.
Getting a playground in place has the kids excited.
"It looks pretty cool," says Lemon, "I can't wait to check out, like we're going to have like a cool tree fort, I can't wait, with a hollow tree trunk."
The original Dream Depot meant a lot to Wacousta families, so it's an all out effort to get a new playground up by the fall.
"So much excitement for this playground because it represents our school," says third grade teacher and Wacousta parent Jamie McKennon.
It's a community effort.
"They are great kids and we are going to make it happen for them," says McKennon.
All funds needs to be in by July so everyone can come together for the community build days September 28th through October 2nd. The community will build this playground by hand just like it did the first Dream Depot.
The buy a board campaign runs through Friday.
There are a lot of ways to help.
Click here or call Wacousta Elementary to help out.
