The wait is over! After a few unanticipated delays, and a tortuous four days for the elementary students, the new playground was officially dedicated in a special ceremony on Tuesday, August 23. The entire elementary division, as well as invited members from the James & Abigail Campbell Family Foundation, turned out for the event, which included a special Hawaiian blessing by Kahu Blaine Kia.
Kahu Blaine Kia stands next to the new playground at the start of the ceremony.
Kahu Blaine Kia talks to the students about the importance of “pono” in thought and action.
The Miracle playground equipment, which includes a Chameleon Slide, Flux Capacitor, DNA Climber, Loopz Climber, and Gravity Diamond rope climber, was installed over the summer by synthetic turf company, NyLawn. With safety as the number one priority, they also installed their synthetic turf safety surfacing under the equipment, which provides a clean, soft, and safe surface to play on.
Elementary Principal Steve Ross notes the importance of play in children’s learning, where the playground is an extension of the classroom.
“Children learn through their play,” said Mr. Ross. “Our new playground structure allows students to practice real problem solving skills – how will I get across the blue bars? – and encourages them to become risk-takers as they climb to the next highest rung on the ropes.”
Student interactions during play also allow the children to practice important social skills, such as sharing, turn taking, conflict resolution, compromise, and how to be a friend.Watch movie online The Transporter Refueled (2015)
Plans for the $130,000 project were in the works for 3 years, with installation occurring over the summer. The playground refurbishment was funded by several anonymous donors, a matching grant, on-campus fundraisers and a generous grant from the James & Abigail Campbell Family Foundation.
Members from the James & Abigail Campbell Family Foundation are pictured here with Elementary Principal Steve Ross and Head of School Gerald Teramae. The Foundation provided a grant, which helped fund the project. Standing, from left-right: Mr. Steve Ross, Ms. Lauren Tolentino, Ms. Wendy B. Crabb, Mr. Keola Lloyd, Ms. Alice K. Shingle, Mr. Gerald Teramae, Kahu Blaine Kia. Seated, from left-right: Ms. Lia Sheenan, Ms. Cynthia K. Sorenson, Ms. Kapiʻolani K. Marignoli.
The highlight of the event for the students was 2nd grader Boedy’s inaugural ride down the Chameleon Slide. Boedy was selected by drawing at the Elementary assembly on the first day of school to have the honor. Surrounded by his cheering classmates, Boedy was grinning from ear to ear as he climbed the slide for the very first ride on the playground. He was quickly followed by Principal Steve Ross, whose grin nearly surpassed Boedy’s.
2nd grader Boedy has the honor of the first slide, quickly followed by Mr. Ross.
Boedy (’27) is congratulated by his classmates after his slide.
Following the ceremony, the younger elementary students were set loose to explore the new playground.
“The playground is awesome!”, exclaimed 3rd grader Hayden. “It’s better than last year’s because it has that twisty thing over there!”
Fellow 3rd grader Hailey agreed. “The slide is pretty cool, and I really like the new playground!”
3rd graders Hayden and Kalia test out the new play structures.
