Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

5/7/07

NEWS RELEASE
Alpac Elementary School Awarded Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grant

Alpac Elementary School was awarded a $5,000 Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant to complete phase two of a two-part playground project.

Phase one included replacing unsafe and outdated metal playground equipment with a big playground toy. The school PTA raised funds over the course of three years of school fundraisers to pay for the big toy. The money from the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant will help to complete phase two of the project, which is the installation of a climbing wall.

The climbing wall is a play structure that will provide students with many psychomotor and cognitive challenges. Through these challenges students build stamina, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance while enhancing communication, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Not only will Alpac students build these skills, but families and children from the surrounding communities of Pacific and Algona will reap the benefits from the new climbing wall, too.

Alpac is the only school that serves the two cities of Pacific and Algona. Currently, Pacific has no large open green space or playground equipment for families and children to use, and Algona has only one small playground. The climbing wall will provide a much needed resource in the community. Daycares, families, troupes, clubs and sports teams will have access to the climbing wall when school is not in session, such as before and after school, on weekends, during the summer months and on holidays.

For more information contact Amy Spence, public information officer, at 253-931-4713.