Moody officials, the Moody Area Chamber of Commerce and the St. Clair County Board of Education held a groundbreaking for two new playground installments for Moody Middle. 

Mayor Joe Lee attributed the ability to obtain the playground equipment to the tax vote that was passed in November. 

“This only passed by seven votes, so getting people out to the polls made a big difference in the future of our city,” said Lee. 

He explained that this was just the beginning of new changes coming to Moody as it continues to benefit from the property tax increase. 

“This is the first part of it, by breaking ground on this playground today, the next part of it is to build a new high school, new classrooms, athletics and performing arts centers. The growth of Moody is going to happen, just stand back and watch it happen over the next few years,” said Lee. 

Dr. Chris Walters, Moody High School principal, led the committee for the project. He told the current middle schoolers in attendance they were special because they will have the opportunity to see a new playground soon and then a new high school in a few years.

“The expectation is that you’re going to become one of the best student bodies in Moody High School and in our state, and you’re going to go out into the world and continue to do great things,” said Walters.

Superintendent Mike Howard encouraged students to thank the members of the city that helped make the playground happen. 

“I want you to know hard this was for everyone that you just waved to, this was a very difficult campaign, but it’s one that we were able to have success in doing and you get to benefit from something a lot of people won’t get to benefit from, and that’s to have a new high school once you get there,” said Howard.  

Principal Brett Causey thanked the school system and community for investing in the lives of students.

“Don’t take that for granted, realize the things and advances here are great. This whole area will be totally new, it’s going to be fantastic. That’s a community saying ‘here, do the best you can, we want to invest in your future to be the best you can be,’” said Causey.