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Child's Play: Darien's Royle School Dedicates New Playground

DARIEN, Conn. – Students at Royle Elementary School in Darien were excited Wednesday morning that they can finally spend their recesses on a brand new playground donated to the school by their parents.

Royle PTO Co-Chairs Shelly Skogslund and Tara Wurm cut the ribbon on the school's brand new playground.

Royle PTO Co-Chairs Shelly Skogslund and Tara Wurm cut the ribbon on the school's brand new playground.

Photo Credit: Kristina Gregory
The new playground, built with funds raised by Royle parents.

The new playground, built with funds raised by Royle parents.

Photo Credit: Kristina Gregory
Physical education teacher Jill Cardamone and students Ava Stone, Molly McGuckin and Briggs McGuckin demonstrate their jump rope skills during the dedication ceremony.

Physical education teacher Jill Cardamone and students Ava Stone, Molly McGuckin and Briggs McGuckin demonstrate their jump rope skills during the dedication ceremony.

Photo Credit: Kristina Gregory
Royle Student Council President Lucas Smith, along with Principal John Grasso, give remarks at the dedication ceremony.

Royle Student Council President Lucas Smith, along with Principal John Grasso, give remarks at the dedication ceremony.

Photo Credit: Kristina Gregory
First Selectman Jayme Stevenson takes a turn on the new playground's zip line.

First Selectman Jayme Stevenson takes a turn on the new playground's zip line.

Photo Credit: Kristina Gregory

The new playground features new swings, slides, a jungle gym and a zip line, and was officially opened Wednesday during a ceremony that included the student body, Principal John Grasso, Vice Principal Natasha Torre, First Selectman Jayme Stevenson, Superintendent Lynne Pierson, PTO Co-Chairs Shelly Skogslund and Tara Wurm and physical education teacher Jill Cardamone.

Students Ava Stone, Molly McGuckin and Briggs McGuckin joined Cardmone in showing off their jump roping skills after the three students collectively raised more than $3,000 in the school’s recent Jump Rope For Heart fundraiser.

The entire playground was funded by Royle parents, who raised $116,000 for the project, with the Royle PTO contributing another $25,000 from its reserves.

“It’s fabulous, it’s just amazing. It’s a real testament to people who are able to get things done in a hurry, effectively and efficiently,” said Grasso.

The parents decided to replace the old equipment, which was old and had seen better days, with newer, safer playground pieces, said Kristina Gregory, the Royle PTO co-chair for publicity.

Members of the school community were pleased that the playground was finished before the end of the school year. The playground was installed in about two months, and the old pieces will be donated to a school in Guatemala through the Computers for Hope organization.

The students had some input on what they wanted to see at their new playground. The school hosted an open house in the gymnasium in December, with some vendors and mock-ups of designs for the playground. Kids were able to enjoy some hot chocolate and offer their thoughts about what they liked and what they didn’t like.

“I think it’s going to be amazing,” said Grasso. “It’s really going to become a focal point of the school.”

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