Merritt Central Elementary School will get a new playground in the spring thanks in large part to a private donor and the fundraising efforts of parents and students.

An anonymous donor has contributed $7,500 towards the construction of a new metal and plastic based playground estimated to cost a total of $17,000. The rest will be covered by the funds raised by the school's Parent Advisory Committee and school children.

“Donations have made this possible to happen now and not later,” said Central School interim principal Trent Dolgopol.

“The goal is to have this installed early in the spring.”

School District 58 will install the playground and provide maintenance. The new playground is designed for children in grade 4, 5, and 6 and will serve to help develop the children's body strength.

“It's especially challenging,” says Dolgopol.

The school has spent several years of planning for the new playground. It will replace the 16-year-old wooden park.

The school is looking for volunteers to help with the removal of the aging wooden playground and has a little more fundraising to do before paying for the remaining balance.

“Without parents and kids in our school like this, things wouldn't happen,” said PAC president Kriss Morel of the fundraising efforts.

The Merritt Central Elementary School PAC and students will hold a steak dinner fundraiser on March 20.