Peddie’s playground equipment was torn down at the beginning of October. One week later, a whole new structure had been built in its place.
The original playground stood atop a bed of mulch in the middle of a field located outside the Hensle Health Center. It was enclosed by a black fence that has remained untouched throughout the renovation.
The playground serves as a great place to have fun and blow off steam for students and children of faculty alike. However, because parts of the old system had become worn, the area was due for a makeover.
The remodeling project was kickstarted just before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic when a former student donated money for the effort. According to Dr. Venanzi, who was a dorm supervisor for the student during her time at Peddie, the student has a special affinity for Peddie’s Faculty Kids and often played with them on the playground, leading her to feel compelled to help fund the construction of new facilities.
Head of Development Ms. Vella and CFO Mr. Puri helped to secure funding for the project. Director of Building Services Mr. Shanko and his team in the department assisted with decisions about new equipment. Even parents on campus have been involved in the renovation effort — several helped choose the initial structural design. That plan was later finalized with the help of members of the Alumni and Development Office.
An outside company was contracted to install the new equipment and structures, and has been working quickly throughout October under the oversight of Building Services. Currently, a new playset has been put in place, a table with benches has been introduced and double the previous number of swings have been built. The plan is to finish construction in the next week or so, depending on weather conditions.
“I’m very excited about it,” remarked Ms. Bennett, wife of English Department Chair Mr. Bennett. Ms. Bennett lives on campus with her children and husband. She has yet to see the playground’s new elements. “[Our kids] loved the old playground even though it was a little bit broken, and a new playground’s going to be pretty incredible,” she said.
