New playground a reason for many happy returns at Wauconda Grade School

Net climbers, zip cruise, spinners, global motion and slides are some of the new features Wauconda Grade School students will find on their playground when they return to classes.

Thanks to funding from the Alternative Learning Opportunities Programs, the school was able to replace its 12-year-old playground, with crews installing some of the new amenities Thursday.

Julia Nadler, assistant superintendent of student services for Wauconda School District 118, applied for the grant last year.

"We were beyond belief excited when they told us we were able to utilize the funds for a playground," Principal Debra Monroe said. "A grant for us was like striking gold. It was really awesome."

The equipment is made by Landscape Structures and is being installed by Pro Installation Plus Inc. of Crystal Lake. The project will double the size of the play area and take workers a few weeks to install. The playground will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and feature a soft rubber playing surface.

Monroe said the students will be surprised when they see it.

"They really don't have any idea that we're getting the new playground," she said. "And needless to say they're going be stunned at how big it is and how modern and cool it is. They are going to absolutely love it."

For now, playgrounds are off limits during Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan related to the coronavirus pandemic, but they could be open to the public if the state moves into Phase 4 at the end of the month.

Plans for new playgrounds at the district's Cotton Creek and Robert Crown elementary schools also are being discussed.