Alexandria, AL - Construction on a new playground began Tuesday afternoon in East Alabama, but the facility's not just for youngsters. Tens of thousands of dollars are being invested in a playground meant to get the entire community in shape.

It began for students at Alexandria Elementary as a lesson.

Principal Sarah McClure told the school, "I know that you you are probably wondering what is a groundbreaking."

They'll wonder no more. Students watched county leaders break ground on a new playground facility coming to the school that's been called "a dream come true."

The school's current playground equipment dates back more than forty years and some teachers describe this playground with a single word - "sad."

A piece of land beside the school will transform into a much happier site during the next six months. Second grader Joseph Tucker can already visualize the playground, track and fitness field.

He says, "We can play football, kickball. I think it's going to be really fun."

Not only will the facility keep the children moving, but exercise stations will offer the entire community a place to get fit for free. The playground's community fitness-focus helped raise tens of thousands in donations and grants from several sources. It's enough to start construction on phase one so current students can start using the playground before summer break. More money will be raised for an additional phase encouraging the next class and the entire community to get healthier.

 Email To Friend