Quinn Elementary School students will have a lot more fun at recess with a revamped blacktop playground when they return to school in the fall. 

Over the summer, a dedicated group of volunteers are transforming the currently bare blacktop into a proper play space, complete with hopscotch, race tracks, and — eventually — new playground equipment. 

“It’s going to be bright and welcoming for the kids in the fall,” said Quinn Assistant Principal Audra Thomas. 

It’s been a vision Thomas has had since joining the staff at Quinn. The school currently has several playgrounds and other dedicated play areas for recess. 

With a limited number of kids able to use each one, some are bound to end up on the bare blacktop. That’s why Thomas prioritized a revamping of the playground through the school’s Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) committee. 

“This, we thought, is the priority because it is for K-2, and we want the kindergarteners coming in to Quinn for the first time to be welcomed.” 

July 27 marked the first work day — delayed twice due to rain, and the record-setting heatwave last weekend which would have prevented paint from sticking to the pavement. More than a dozen volunteers, including parents and staff, came out to paint. 

Linda Hamilton was among those helping to paint hopscotch patterns. In addition to having three kids who go to Quinn, she is also the president of the Quinn PTO, which funded the playground project. 

“We were excited to be able to help pay for something for the kids to do here,” Hamilton said. “For the kids it’s an exciting addition.” 

While the painting will be done by the fall, the work will not stop there. Thomas plans to bring new playground equipment to the playground and complete the renovations in the coming years. 

“We have a two to three year goal for it to be what we envision,” Thomas said. “This is the first step.”