The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Riverside Intermediate School is much closer to the goal of funding a new playground.  This proposed facility is described as being “parkour-style,” that will offer specialized exercise and challenge courses.

Indiana University Saxony has approved a $10,000 grant toward funding the $45,000 project.

More details are contained in the news release , which you can read below:

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The Riverside Intermediate School community is celebrating a $10,000 grant from Indiana University Health Saxony Hospital. The funds will go toward building a much-needed playground for upper elementary students. The project is spearheaded by the Riverside Intermediate PTO, which is seeking additional sponsorships to underwrite the new $45,000 parkour-style, challenge course and play space.

Riverside Intermediate PTO hopes to greenlight Phase I of construction as soon as it raises the first $25,000 toward the project.

“It’s the first piece of a much larger project that will give our students more options for physical activity. We are so grateful for the generosity of IU Health Saxony Hospital,” said Danielle Chastain, principal of Riverside Intermediate School.

Increasing physical activity among children is essential to the IU Health Saxony Hospital mission. “IU Health Saxony Hospital is thrilled to partner with Riverside Intermediate School to provide a safe and intentional area for the students to play. Part of our mission in Hamilton County is to increase physical activity among residents of all ages, and this was the perfect opportunity to encourage greater physical activity for students at Riverside Intermediate,” said Joy Davis, Customer Experience & Community Engagement Manager for IU Health Suburban Indianapolis Region.

Within Hamilton Southeastern Schools, newer referendum dollars have now been targeted for operational expenses after years of budget cuts. Grant dollars and donations remain an important component of making projects like the Riverside Intermediate parkour playground a reality.

“The playground is also important for education. As an engineer, I believe that hands-on science activities, like those that can be conducted on a playground, promote a much deeper understanding of science concepts,” said Amy Samuelson, the Riverside Intermediate School parent who is spearheading the playground effort.