BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — Parents at Chocachatti Elementary School in Brooksville have formed a committee called Project Playground to give their kids another space to play.
- No playground for kids at Chocachatti Elementary
- Parents formed committee to get playgroung built
- Group trying to raise $150,000
Right now, kids have a place to play basketball, soccer, and even golf, but there's no playground.
Administrators said when the school was built 20 years ago, a lot of money was put into their so-called micro programs, as well as dance and theater, and there wasn't money left over for a playground.
"Even missing the hours of instruction from microtime, they're doing well, but they don't have a physical release other than running on concrete," Airien Thomas with the Project Playground said.
The group is trying to raise $150,000 through the Hernando County Education Foundation to get the playground built. So far they have raised about $30,000. They group also partnered with Nature Coast Technical High School to make a video asking for the public's help.
"Getting some of that energy out, they do better, they're able to focus more, they're able to sit still, they can cooperate more, and they're learning skills on the playground that they're not necessarily getting in the classroom, so maybe conflict resolution compromise," Thomas said.
The group is hoping to get a playground built as soon as they can.
The Hernando County School District also sent out a statement on the issue.
"All of our elementary schools are provided funds for playgrounds. The principal that opened the school chose to use those funds to crest fine arts venues at the school. ... The school board and district support their efforts. While we would love to fund this initiative, capital funds are spent on projects of highest need such a roof, HVAC, etc."