Lombard families celebrate new playground

Volunteers gathered Saturday morning to help spread mulch around new playground equipment at the William Hammerschmidt Elementary School Learn + Play Gardens in Lombard.

The gathering was part of a celebration for the opening of Phase 2 of the school's green play space, which already includes "edible gardens" that were planted in 2013. Students were invited to stay and play after the opening.

"This project is a milestone for Lombard School District 44. Our families and community have worked tirelessly to raise funds and make this dream a reality," Ted Stec, the district's assistant superintendent of finance, said in a statement.

School officials say the Learn + Play Gardens are an outdoor community amenity that focuses on health and fitness.

The third and final phase of the gardens will incorporate a butterfly garden, native plantings, outdoor musical instruments and walking paths. It is expected to be complete summer 2015.

There will also be the installation of green infrastructure technologies, such as rain gardens and permeable concrete that will reduce flooding and standing water.