Playground Progress: Old Pieces Removed from Islands Elementary

There’s some fabulous news in a 3 On Your Side follow up.
 
We've been telling you about the need for a playground at Islands Elementary School since the fall.
 
Rusty metal pieces of play equipment and the basketball hoops which are far too high for the children need to be replaced with pieces for exercise and play.
 
Help is needed at the school because they don't have the money to replace what's there. After seeing our story, the community answered the call.
 
“The power of TV has been unbelievable. WSAV has just been magnificent for us. They've gotten the word out which is difficult to do in the public school system.  People have been calling in saying hey we want to put some jars in our businesses to help collect money for you.” explains Nancy Neff, the physical education teacher at Islands.
 
3 On Your Side education reporter, Randi Hempel, has been bringing us this story from the beginning. She shows us how the playground is being transformed.
 
The rotting railroad ties are going exactly where they deserve to be, in the dump truck; making way for a new playground.
 
“I can't wait. I'm starting to get the feeling that it's really gonna happen. It's been a long time and you know we've been waiting.” Explains Neff.
 
Nancy Neff, PE teacher at Islands Elementary has been waiting for the 10 years she's been at the school. 
 
The holes dug by the district's maintenance men are giving the children hope.
 
“I said oh my gosh, they must be going to build a new playground cause people be getting tired and hurt on the metal things because they be falling. They could break something.” Says Islands Elementary 2^nd grader, Edward Daniels
 
The old rusty equipment may be reduced to just scrap metal, but it's a sign that the best is yet to come. Plans are already in the works for progress on this playground all through the kindness of the community.
 
“We've got volunteers from Tybee Coast Guard that are going to be coming out and they're going to be helping us um we've also got some gentlemen from Georgia Power in Effingham County.” Says Neff.
 
Maintenance men uproot the trees. The uprooted trees will be replanted, planting the seeds for a brighter future.
 
"I think it's going to be a real big boost for our students not only physically but mentally. I think it's really going to help them with their testing as well.” Adds Neff.
 
If you would like to donate money, supplies, or lend a helping hand, call the school at 898-3900.
 
You can drop off donations at several locations: the school, Sea Island Bank, Barnes Restaurant, Tradewinds, and Blue Bamboo Hair Design, next to Sanders Store in Mercer Crossing on Wilmington Island.
 
Previous Stories:

Playground Needed, How You Can Help

Island Elementary Playground, Dreams Can Come True