Rediscovering the power of play

Elementary students on the EC0-Grade 8 Campus LOVE their new playground!

Photo by Kathy Gordon

Dock students enjoy play—and now they can play with a new sense of purpose on our new elementary playground!

Students began using the new playground in late September after an installation process that took several weeks and was truly an all-school service project. The new equipment is part of a three-year plan to update both of the playgrounds at the EC-Grade 8 Campus.

"We believe that play is fun, but that it is also transformational—empowering children to learn as they become active physically and socially," said EC-Grade 8 Principal Mrs. Bronwyn Histand. "At Dock, we invest in play in our curriculum, our daily schedule, special activities, and in our facilities. Play helps students develop large muscle groups, hand-eye coordination, social-emotional skills, leadership traits, and so much more. Of course, we also value the sheer pleasure of play!"

Junior Rebecca Brown helps put the finishing touches on the new elementary playground.

Photo by Mike Landis

Installation of the new playground was a massive project that required volunteer help from both campuses as well as assistance from the larger Dock community. The vendor for the playground, Lyons Recreation, offered Dock a special discount for using a "Community Build" to assist with the installation process. Lyons provided leadership and special equipment to facilitate the installation, while Dock provided volunteers to help unpack, lift, and assemble the new components.

Another important piece of info for this project was the excavation of the old playground. Dave Landis, who works at Bergey's Automotive and is a member of Finland Mennonite Church, volunteered to excavate and dismantle the old playground. Dock then donated the old playground equipment to Finland, and the plan is for Landis to help them install it on their property.

"The Dock community truly helped make this playground a reality, and we are filled with gratitude for all of the volunteers that came out to help," said Mrs. Histand. "We're especially grateful for the 30 students from the Grades 9-12 Campus who volunteered as part of their Service Day last Friday to help us finish the project."

Completing the new elementary playground was truly a community effort!

Photo by Mike Landis

Freshman William Wu delivers a load of mulch to the new elementary playground during Dock's 2018 Service Day.

Photo by Mike Landis