On Friday, May 29, Tinora Elementary students, staff, community members, and special guests gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new all-inclusive playground addition that will serve students for generations to come.
The ceremony highlighted the power of community collaboration and a shared commitment to creating opportunities for all children. Speakers emphasized that the project represents far more than playground equipment it represents inclusion, belonging, friendship, and the belief that every child deserves a place to play, learn, and grow together.
The project was made possible through the partnership of the Tinora Elementary PTO, the Northeastern Local Schools Fund, Tinora Elementary, and the many donors, volunteers, businesses, families, and community members who supported the vision from the very beginning.
Following remarks from Director of Marketing, Grants and Fundraising Emilie Parsons, PTO President Kendra Revis, and Elementary Principal Eric Tipton, the entire student body joined in a special countdown. Northeastern Local Schools Fund Committee and Board of Education members Chelsie Schroeder and Mike Boff, Superintendent Nicole Wells, PTO President Kendra Revis, students Jack Clemens and Anna Parsons, Principal Tipton and little Lucy Coburn gathered with ceremonial shovels as students enthusiastically counted down, "5-4-3-2-1... DIG!"
After the groundbreaking, students and staff gathered for a large group photo taken at the future playground site. Each elementary student signed a framed mat that will surround the photograph, creating a lasting keepsake of this historic moment. The completed display will be showcased in the elementary lobby.
Construction on the new all-inclusive playground is now underway. Once completed, the space will provide opportunities for students of all abilities to play, explore, connect, and create lasting memories together.
The groundbreaking served as a powerful reminder that when a community comes together with a shared purpose, amazing things can happen. At Tinora, it truly takes a village.
