INFORMATION PRSR 02-11-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Parker Elementary PTO 500 School Street Elk River, MN 55330 241-3500 December 12, 1997 City of Elk River City Council and Parks Department 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 RE: Playground Improvement Project To Whom it May Concern: I am writing to you on behalf of the Parker Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization. We are in the middle of fund-raising at our school to upgrade the playground areas. We would greatly • appreciate any assistance the City can offer. This project originated from a student's request and petition for new playground equipment. She felt frustrated with the crowding on the present equipment. Judging by the number of signatures on her petition, she was not alone. There also is virtually no playground equipment for students in grades 4 - 6. They are forced to play on the tar parking lot. The additional recreation facilities will increase the opportunity for children and families to gather socially. This will help people meet each other and, hopefully connect with others who have similar interests,which would have a positive impact on the community as a whole. We feel the more people (children and parents) interact with others, the more they feel a part of the community. Parker Elementary is the closest playground to several multi-family rental units within one to three blocks and a large concentrated area of single family homes. The playground is also heavily used by the community during non-school hours because it is located adjacent to several soccer and baseball fields. It allows siblings to be involved in family outings, even though they may not be as interested in the sporting event as the parents are. The project would benefit both young and older students at Parker by promoting physical well being and developing activities for our older students, which at present are very limited. •