Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

With the beginning of the school year approaching, Clark County Public Schools are busy considering ways to enhance the environment for students. 

Conkwright Elementary School, located at 360 Mt. Sterling Road, just took one successful step forward. 

A new playground with various equipment was recognized on Wednesday, July 31, with many present, including Clark County Public Schools Superintendent Dustin Howard. 

“We gather here today to celebrate an extraordinary occasion – the grand opening of the new Conkwright Elementary School playground,” said Principal Megan Swartz. ”This is a momentous day for our school, students, and community.”

Miracle of KY & TN Playgrounds, led by Josh Wagner, helped create the playground equipment. 

As a result, students will have multiple slides well over six feet tall that can be utilized, as well as climbing equipment, ropes, and more. 

Thanks largely to a Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet grant, exceptional children will also have equitable access. 

Members of the Clark County Public Schools Operations and Maintenance Department, led by Maintenance Supervisor Billy Damron, played an essential role in helping make the playground a reality. 

While the equipment provides plenty of opportunities for physical activity during recess, it also allows for the development of creativity, social skills, and cognitive skills. 

As mentioned on the website https://www.miraclekytn.com/ages-5-12, “They boost imagination and problem-solving through role-play…kids improve communication and learn to cooperate and resolve conflict…[and] decision-making is honed by navigating playground structures. Simply put, playgrounds offer more than fun; they foster holistic development.” 

Along with Howard, other Clark County Public Schools System staff – such as Chief Academic Officer Kelly Fithen – were present. 

Swart, who has long worked with elementary school children, also extended gratitude to Clark County Board of Education members. 

“First and foremost, I would like to thank [them] for their unwavering support of our schools. [Their] commitment to providing our students with the best possible learning environments is evident in projects like this,” she said. “Without [their] leadership, this would not have been possible.” 

With Conkwright Elementary School scheduled to open its doors for students in just two weeks, Swart hopes the installation of playground equipment will be meaningful for multiple reasons. 

“Today, we celebrate more than just a new playground,” she said. We celebrate a place where children will laugh, learn, and grow. We celebrate a place where friendships will be formed and memories made. We celebrate a place that will inspire creativity, imagination, and a love of learning.”