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As kids, the playground is often a place for fun and socialization.

At Shearer Elementary School, the environment just became a lot more supreme.

Early last Wednesday morning, a ribbon-cutting ceremony recognized a newly installed playground that will benefit all students.

“We are so excited [and give] a big thanks to our Clark County Board of Education for supporting this project,” said Lindsay Campbell, the assistant principal at Shearer Elementary School. “This new playground is such an amazing opportunity for our kiddos. For all of our kids, it’s just an exciting day.”

While Shearer Elementary School was celebrating last week, it’s far from the only Clark County School to benefit from new facilities.

Among others, Strode Station Elementary School and – last year – Baker Intermediate School reaped the rewards of investment.

“The [Clark County] Board of Education actually funded all of it. They had set aside for this fiscal year some money in the budget to be able to go towards [the] playground,” said Clark County Public Schools Chief Operations Officer Brandon Watkins. “We have to have playgrounds inspected every so often, and it was time to cycle out some of that old equipment.”

As different classes arrived at the outdoor designated area around 8:00 a.m., students encountered the sight of new playground equipment that can be adventurous in more ways than one and differentiates for those with varying interests.

For example, en route to going down a tall yet safely installed slide, students would climb through a rope obstacle course.

Yet others could take advantage of a game called 3-In-A-Row, allowing them to improve their creative and strategic thinking skills further.

MOVMNT, an electronic game provided by the Burke BCI Company, offers single or multiplayer options that disguise exercises as entertainment and empower determination in an environment of healthy competition.

Classical playground equipment, such as a swing set and multi-person seesaw, are also present.

Later in the day, after viewing a safety video that staff and 4th-grade students had created, students could utilize the equipment for the first time during recess.

However, they wouldn’t have to wait long for entertainment on Wednesday morning.

To their delight, many faculty members, such as first-grade teacher Michele Brownlee, tried out the equipment in a festive atmosphere.

Before long, all students took a photo with staff as Campbell and Principal Diana Jackson – with Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cindy Banks present – cut the ribbon to celebrate their new playground.

With the future in mind, Campbell pointed out that the playground is more than just a space for recess activities.

“This is a symbol of unity and happiness where children of all ages and backgrounds can come together to learn, grow, and create lasting friendships,” she said. “This playground is not just about the swings and slides. It’s about the shared dreams and hopes of our community coming to life.”