A ribbon cutting ceremony was held by the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and Knoxville Community School District for the new West Elementary playground equipment on Wednesday.

Community members, district employees, families, and the school board joined students at West for this celebration of the new playground equipment Wednesday afternoon. At a December school board meeting, the board approved a bid from Play-Pro Recreation for new playground equipment at the school for $339,000. Committees at West Elementary School have been working toward that goal for two years, as the old playground was not suitable for the district and a safety hazard for children. The new playground equipment is more suitable for children that are wheelchair bound, along with having a foundation that is easier to maintain. West Elementary Principal Jory Houser says he is thankful for all the work that went into the project.

“A lot of people behind the scenes helped make this. With our teacher group and the board as well approving it, and just all the different pieces that happened before I was here. Just to see the excitement from the community and the excitement from the kids, and to listen to the teachers about how great it is for all the reasons I talked about.” 

The construction of the new playground equipment started shortly after last school year ended and was finished in August.