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CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Clintondale’s elementary schools are getting some updated playground equipment courtesy of grant funds.
The first set of equipment opened June 5 at Rainbow Elementary. First graders ran through a crepe paper ribbon to christen the new equipment.
First grader Mason Reid said he enjoyed running through the ribbon for the ceremony and liked the colors of the equipment, which is blue and green, compared to the old red and yellow equipment.
“All of it, everything is fun,” Reid said about what he liked best.
First grade teacher Hajra Khatri, who is Clintondale’s Teacher of the Year, said the update was needed. She said her students were excited to use it as they watched it being built, especially the rock wall and merry-go-round.
“My class is very honored to be the first set of kids to enjoy the playground,” Khatri said.
The playground equipment hadn’t been updated since 1993, according to Clintondale’s Director of Communications Alexandra Hichel.
The funds for the updates come from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III grant funds awarded to the school district. The grant is available through the Michigan Department of Education. According to the state’s website, the grant addresses the lingering issues schools face from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grant covers the cost of all the playground equipment, totaling $509,000. Each set of playground equipment, which is for kids 2-12 years old, is $147,000.
Rainbow also received an additional smaller playscape for children 2-24 months. The additional cost brings Rainbow’s total to $192,500. The extra equipment is to accommodate Rainbow’s transition to an early childhood center. Students from Rainbow will be attending McGlinnen Elementary School for fall classes.
Clintondale Board of Education Vice President Felicia Kaminski said a few words after the first batch of equipment was opened.
“We’re looking forward to many years of laughter and fun here at Rainbow,” Kaminski said.
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