Whittier Gets New Playground Equipment from Lowe’s

Employee volunteers construct the new equipment for a school that had done without for years.

February 7, 2012

They’re swinging at Whittier Elementary. And sliding and climbing, too, thanks to a generous donation of playground equipment by Lowe’s in partnership with Albuquerque Public Schools and the APS Education Foundation.

It’s the first time most students at Whittier have spent their recess swinging on playground equipment. The school’s old swing sets were removed several years ago when a new kindergarten wing was built. Because the equipment was so outdated, it couldn’t be relocated, and it was too expensive to replace.

So the kids did without. Until employees at the Lowe’s at Paseo del Norte and I-25 found out. When they learned of the need for playground equipment, the employees went to their corporate office and asked for help.

Through a program called Lowe’s Heroes, which encourages local employees to volunteer on projects in their own neighborhood, Whittier got its overdue playground. Lowe’s employees volunteered their time and skills to construct the new playground from PlayCore. Swing-N-Slide, a PlayCore company, partnered with the local Lowe’s to donate the equipment. Anchor Built, APS Facilities and Design and High Mesa Consulting Group also helped with the project.

The blue and green play structure complete with swings, ladders, slides and poles, was dedicated last week during a school-wide celebration. Mindy Hake’s fourth-grade class was the first to play on the equipment because students earned the most PAWS that week for good behavior.

Many of Lowe’s employees, including district manager Jim Neal, were on hand at the dedication to watch jump rope and hoola hoop demonstrations, eat cake and listen to students read essays thanking Lowe’s for the donation.

“We promise to be responsible when using this equipment and to treat it with respect. My friends and I are ready to play. Thanks a lot. Lowe’s rocks!” said third-grader Ashanti Thompson.

“The playground looks really cool and awesome,” added fifth-grader Kimberly Martinez.

Some students and faculty members recognized the connection between the playground equipment and academic success.

“To be the best students we can be, the time we get outside and play is very important,” said fifth-grader Alana Torres.

“That play equipment is not just swings and bars, It’s a source of imagination,” said Robin Garcia, dean of students. “Research shows that kids who are physically fit are cognitively fit. It’s more than playground equipment. It’s another tool supporting the whole child.”