Grant enables Ashland Elementary to build new playground

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) -The Fayette County School district says when students return to Ashland Elementary, they will enjoy a brand new playground.

What made with possible was an $85,000 grant just secured from KaBOOM, according to the school. “It’ll become a vibrant, colorful, magical place for kids,” Principal Lisa Smith said before announcing it on Friday morning.

Smith says an elementary playground typically runs about $100,000. Officials say the school’s PTA, families, and other supporters for raising about $40,000 during the past three years.

The new playground will lie largely within the existing one. Ashland, which sits between East Main Street and Winchester Road, doesn’t have much room but plans to make the most of the shaded area behind the building.

“We are landlocked with a lot of sheltered space, but it’s really bland. We’ll brighten that up,” said Smith, who mentioned possible murals on the walls, games painted on the playground surface, and a music garden. “It’ll really connect to our arts focus.”