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Workers for playtime

Parent volunteers install the new playground at Adams Road Elementary.
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Parents turned out to build the long-awaited new playground at Adams Road Elementary Saturday.

Students at one of Surrey's newest schools, Adams Road Elementary in Clayton, will have more to do than play in the dirt at recess and lunch.

A playground was installed over the weekend, thanks to a hard-working crew of parents from the school community, who volunteered to get the job done. They were overseen by a representative from the company that makes the playground equipment.

Adams Road and another new local school, Hazelgrove Elementary, are two of 44 schools in B.C. to receive provincial funding for playgrounds.

Adams Road welcomed its first students in January, but a playground wasn't included in the $11 million construction budget.

The Parent Advisory Council began fundraising for one, as well as lobbying senior government minister and Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Kevin Falcon and others.

On Sept. 2, premier Christy Clark announced $8 million will be spent over two years to upgrade, replace or build new playgrounds in the province.

On Oct. 15, there was a huge turnout of families to watch history being made, as the volunteer crew built the new playground at Adams Road, munching on hot dogs and other goodies.

The fill for the playground was slated to go in on Sunday, Oct. 16.

"The kids were the kids are thrilled and parents are left with a fantastic feeling of accomplishment and community spirit," parent Heather Harasymow said.

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