Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Wednesday, August 31, 2011

An artist's rendering of the proposed playground

Wellington Elementary secured a $50,000 grant in Pepsi’s “Refresh” contest to help build a playground behind the new school.

Every month, the Pepsi Refresh Project awards more than $1.2 million in grants – from $5,000 to $50,000 apiece – to bring great ideas to life in communities across the country. Wellington’s proposal finished tops in the “education” category and overall runner-up in its cash tier for July.

Wellington parent Stacy Heilig noted how recess is important for physical fitness and social development, saying, “I think every school needs a playground.”

In the contest, the bulk of Wellington’s online support came from the nearly 11,000 bottle caps with “power vote” codes, which Heilig and others collected. Workers at a local recycling center helped out, and a woman from New York sent 3,300 caps. Individuals also voted for Wellington’s proposal through Facebook and Twitter.

The playground, which will be near the outdoor classroom, will include swings, slides and other features suitable for all ages and abilities. Crews will prepare the site during September, and the equipment should arrive in early October. Depending on the weather, the work could be finished around Halloween.

“We’re going to have a state-of-the-art, beautiful playground out back,” said PTA President David Kidd.

This project was the first big focus for Wellington’s fledgling PTA, which raised additional funds by selling engraved permeable pavers to surround the play area. An anonymous donor also pledged a generous amount for the playground, which Kidd said will cost about $90,000.