Students and parents flocked to Trafford Elementary School April 5 to celebrate completion of a new $255,000 playground.
The former playground was about two decades old when it was torn down in 2023 due to safety concerns. District officials said the stairs and decking of the playground presented a tripping hazard.
The school began fundraising and applying for grants in 2022 to purchase and install a new playground.
Community donors also pitched in — including 2024 Penn-Trafford High School graduate Matthew Sarnowski, who generated more than $8,000 for the project. The track and field athlete gathered sponsors to pledge one cent per foot he threw in the discus, shot put and javelin events during his senior season.
The playground was installed in November, said Principal Amy Horvat. District officials, students and parents flocked to the playground April 5 to celebrate its completion and recognize donors.