In case you missed Thursday's article in the Daily Hampshire Gazette...
Playground eyed for Crocker Farm School in Amherst
by Nick Grabbe
AMHERST - Crocker Farm School, which has far more children from low-income families than Amherst's other elementary schools, also has the oldest and most run-down playground.
But by next fall, when many children will switch schools as the town takes action to achieve income equity in enrollment, Crocker Farm hopes to have a new playground.
The Parents and Guardians Organization aims to raise $40,000 for the equipment and get parents from throughout the school district involved in building the playground in July.
"A playground is a really important social piece in a school," said Becky Demling, the PGO co-chair. "Studies show that exercise helps children focus better, and for some, school is the only place they get exercise. A lot of friendships are made on playgrounds."
The current playground at Crocker Farm is 20 years old, has pieces missing and the safety railing on a slide is held together with duct tape, she said. The new one will be closer to the soccer fields.
The new playground will include slides, ladders and swings, said Lucy McMurrer, the other PGO co-chair. A climbing structure and slide from Mark's Meadow School, which is closing this year, will be incorporated into the new playground.
Some parents whose children will be moving to Crocker Farm have expressed worry that the play space is inadequate, Demling said. "It's important with redistricted schools to have as equal play spaces as possible," she said.
Parents from Wildwood and Fort River schools have had better success in finding the resources to update their playgrounds over the last 10 years, Demling noted. "Crocker Farm has more of a challenge in raising money," she said.
The new Crocker Farm playground is expected to be smaller than those at the other schools.
Demling and McMurrer have contacted their counterparts at other schools in Amherst, including the regional schools. "We want to see how we as a community can help build the Crocker Farm playground," Demling said.
The PGO has already raised $5,000 through a parent appeal and from sales of the Amherstopoly board game, McMurrer said. They are working on a fundraising letter to local business owners.
On March 19, there will be a "dance-a-thon" at the Crocker Farm cafeteria from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with children encouraged to get sponsorships. A silent auction that will benefit the playground project is planned for April.
Contributions can be sent to Crocker Farm Playground, 280 West St., Amherst, MA. 01002. Those seeking tax deductions can go to the Web site amhersteducationfoundation.org.
