TROUT LAKE — On Oct. 26, 185 students waited eagerly with more than 100 spectators to witness the grand opening of the new Trout Lake School District playground.
After presentations by Trout Lake teacher Michelle Davis and Superintendent Doug Dearden, the ribbon was cut and students rushed onto the new play equipment trying out all the new elements, Dearden said.
The project began 18 months ago and was headed up by Davis. She organized a committee that reviewed numerous designs and price points. Eventually, the committee made a recommendation to then-Superintendent Jerry Lewis, who took it to the Trout Lake School Board, where it was approved.
Dearden said the Trout Lake community made a commitment to fund the project through approval of a capital projects levy in February.
The new playground, purchased from Columbia Cascade, a local playground manufacturer out of Camas, replaces equipment that was installed when the school was built in 1993.
Trout Lake community members volunteered in various aspects during the project. Lanny Smith Construction volunteered his crew and equipment to remove the old equipment, and Fred Paxson from Mt. Adams Lumber donated equipment and time to unload the new playground equipment when it arrived.
“The district appreciates the support provided by the entire community,” Dearden said.
Commented