The kindergarten playground at Spring Hill Elementary School (SHES) looks different now than it did at this time last year and for good reason. The Spring Hill School District was selected as a grant recipient this year from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Waste Tire Program. The $21,190.74 grant allowed USD 230 to convert the SHES playground from wood chips to a pour-in-play surface made from waste tire material.
“The surface upgrade to our playground is softer and cleaner than our previous surface of wood chips,” said SHES Principal Tammy Endecott. “The teachers have shared that they like it better because students are not getting them stuck to their clothing. The new surface also has a bounce to it so when students fall, they are less likely to get hurt. It is an upgrade that we very much appreciate!”