The $43,000 structure provides shade and a large space that can double as an outdoor classroom
The nearly 500 students at Hurffville Elementary School erupted in elation as the school’s PTO treasurer Marianne Smith cut the ribbon on the school’s newly erected outdoor pavilion. Located behind the school and adjacent to the playground, the $43,000 structure provides much needed shade and a large space that can double as an outdoor classroom, complete with Wi-Fi to accommodate the students’ new laptop computers. The ceremony included two songs of celebration from the students and staff.
A variety of fundraising activities — including designer bag bingo, race for education and coupon book sales — provided the funding for the space. Bud Concrete of Sewell completed the concrete, and Elite Outdoor Structures of Horsham, Pa., was commissioned for the structure. Six “husky” blue picnic tables, including a handicapped accessible table, were crafted from wood and recycled plastic and purchased from Park Catalog to provide plenty of space for the students to spread out and enjoy the fresh air.
“The pavilion is spacious and secure and will be put to good use,” PTO President Sandy Canino said. “We don’t have tall trees, and it gets very hot back here. We wanted the teachers to have an outdoor instructional space and a shady spot for our students to relax with a book.”
“We really wanted to make this happen, and we saved and saved, and every last penny that we received last year was slated for this project,” PTO Secretary Dawn DeVito said.
The idea for the structure originated from Smith, who spearheaded the construction and coordinated with the contractors to bring the project to fruition.
“We really have to thank all of the parents who contributed, because this pavilion wouldn’t be here without parent participation,” Smith said. “It was a long process, but well worth it from the response that we received today.”
