The Playground Project
Barnardsville Elementary
The playground at Barnardsville Elementary is not only a
place for students to be active, it is a center of a tight-knit
mountain community where some families have lived for
generations. So when the playground needed repairs and
updates, it wasn’t hard for Principal Danna Grimes to get
the school’s PTO involved.
After more than a year of planning and raising nearly
$40,000 from grants and valued community partners, the
new and improved schoolyard was unveiled, with over
150 people coming together on April 1st for a dedication
ceremony and meal.
Barnardsville students proudly stand next to their
newest playground piece.
In addition to an impressive new play structure, there is
also an outdoor classroom space. The swings also received
a tune-up and fresh paint, which Ms. Grimes said was
important to the community “because many a first kiss
happened there, and even a marriage proposal!”
“It was important for the playground to be a place where
people would want to come together,” she said.
The project has been an ongoing community effort, with
neighbors and community partners* willing to get their
hands dirty to make the dream a reality.
The project was made possible by generous
donations from local businesses and individuals.
* A complete list of our valued partners has been shared
at BCSadvantage.org.
Students enjoy a bench in their new “Book Nook”, installed
in honor of Thomas Edgar Shepherd, Jr.
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The new playground set features two slides and climbing walls!