Lincoln sets sights on building new playground

WASHINGTON - Three years ago, the students at Lincoln Elementary School decided they wanted to replace the 23-year-old playground equipment.

Now, the school is looking for help to reach that goal.

Principal Teresa Beenblossom said five years ago, she asked the students what they would like to raise money for.

The students raise money every year through various fundraisers such as the bikeathon, gum and hat days, and Demon tattoos or merchandise sales.

Three years ago the students chose to raise money for a new playground, Beenblossom said. The fundraising was completely student driven with help from the Parent Teacher Group.

To purchase the equipment and surfacing it will cost $208,500. The students and parents group have raised $50,000.

Because it was going to take a while to complete the fundraising, Beenblossom said the Parent Teacher Group and school wanted to start reaching out to the community for help.

So far, Walmart has donated $1,000 and the Washington Betterment Foundation had donated $5,000.

There still is $152,500 needed.

Beenblossom said they are considering a partial equipment installation, while the rest of the funds are raised. To do that, the school still needs to raise $48,000.

'It's a little bit more manageable,” she said. 'But we would like to do it all at once.”

Beenblossom said any time students want to work toward a goal it is important to do it. She said it is important for the students to see that the community supports them.

'I think that's really valuable,” she said.

If community members want to donate to the playground, they can call the school at 319-653-3691 for information. Fundraising information can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lincolnptg.