Simon Elementary cuts ribbon on new playground

Pictured above from left: Mrs. King and Mrs. Johnson-Lovett, from the Winnebago Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Schwuchow and Dr. Baker, Winnebago BOE members Mrs. Dunaway, Mrs. Smith, Dr. Strutzenberg, Mrs. Thomas, Winnebago FEE members Mr. Smith, Mrs. Huggins and Mrs. Edwards, alongside Winnebago BOE member Mr. Lovett.

On Friday, April 1st the students and staff at Simon Elementary participated in an official ribbon cutting of the newly renovated Simon Elementary Playground, alongside Winnebago Schools Superintendent Dr. Schwuchow and Simon Elementary Principal Dr. Baker. Joining them for an official ribbon cutting ceremony were members of the Winnebago School Board of Education, members from the Winnebago Foundation for Educational Excellence (FEE) and members of the Winnebago Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Baker addressed students, staff and members of the community beforehand and stated,

“This new playground features more slides, more equipment on the ground level for students to use, a smaller piece of equipment to fit the needs of our younger students, and it still leaves us with room to add on more equipment and fun objects in the future.

“When I’ve asked kids what they love the most about the playground, I’ve heard most say “EVERYTHING!”: We simply love it all!” This was met with cheers and applause from all the students!

The Simon Elementary playground is named the Timothy James Smith Memorial Playground, and it is named after a young boy who absolutely loved to play: just like our Simon Superheroes do.

A sign will be placed here in his honor in the coming months.

The project would not have been possible without the hard work, dedication, efforts and donations of many people and organizations.

Simon Elementary would like to thank the Winnebago Foundation for Educational Excellence (FEE) for their donation of $20,000 towards the playground. Additionally, the Winnebago PTO for their donation and all they do for our schools.

The Winnebago School Board of Education for all they do to support Simon students and supporting this project.

The Building & Grounds crew, led by Mr. Prestegaard for spreading lots and lots of mulch, and for making sure that everything at Simon always looks beautiful and safe to play on.

The construction crew that built the playground in only five short days. Lastly, a thank you to Dr. Schwuchow and Mr. Gibson for making this playground possible through their grant writing and support, and to Dr. Baker for all her efforts researching and coordinating this large project for Simon Elementary.

With this new playground, students at Simon Elementary will continue to play, learn, and have fun day in and out. The new and improved Timothy James Smith Memorial Playground is officially open.