Back in October, pre-k teachers at Coosa Valley Elementary School had a vision for a new playground for their class of 16 four year olds. After months of hard work by volunteers and with the help of a $7000 grant from the Coosa Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council, those children now have a new place to play.

Coosa Valley Elementary School counselor Jill McCombs saw a need for a separate play space for these smaller students and when a grant opportunity became available, she took it.

“They needed a separate space that is their own to play in,” McCombs said. “They will have a playhouse, play equipment, and a planter that they can watch things grow.” The Coosa Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council grant awarded included ground cover, mulch, fencing, and play equipment.

“Thank you so much,” Jennifer Hannah, principal at Coosa Valley Elementary School told Heidi Richards with the Coosa Valley RC&D. “We could never have done anything like this without you.”

The play area features environmentally friendly products and several playhouses that will help teach the children about conservation.  With the addition of a dedicated play area for their youngest students, Principal Hannah would like to extend their pre-k program, which now has 16 students. She would like to have at least 16-18 more for a second class, but that would require additional funding which she hopes to get through a grant.

Students at Coosa Valley were not the only ones to benefit from the Coosa Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council grant.  Third and fourth graders at Walter M. Kennedy Elementary School also received a $4000 grant to improve their play area.

Funds were used to install rubber surfacing under playground equipment for erosion and safety. Dr. Leah Stover, principal at WMK, said that children had created a rutted area under some play equipment that retained a lot of water and would not drain properly.

“This (rubberized surfacing) will allow drainage,” Stover said. “Playground equipment is every expensive so we are very blessed to get this grant.”

Alabama Representative Randy Wood of District 36, Pell City School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Barber, St. Clair County Conservation District board members Terry Templin and Tim Alsup were present for the recognition ceremony and presentation of a check to each school by Heidi Richards, executive director with Coosa Valley RC & D.

“It’s all about helping each other and partnerships,” Rep. Wood stated. “Projects funded in St. Clair County add value.” 

The Coosa Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council also partnered with the St. Clair County Conservation District, granting them $10,000 for a Septic Tank Pump-Out program.

Charity Hicks-Mitcham, District Administrative Coordinator with St. Clair County Conservation District, stated they had around 6500 people attend the 40 workshops they held throughout St. Clair County. The St. Clair County Conservation District were able to offer 20 vouchers for septic tank pump outs per workshop, valued at $250 thanks to the grant.

“I appreciate RC & D and the job that they do,” Mitcham stated. “Something extra like this is important and wouldn’t happen otherwise. It is unique to have everyone work together to get things done. If you don’t work together, nothing gets done.” 

The Coosa Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council is “dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and developing natural and human resources.” For more information about their program, call 256-253-2454.