New turf for year-round fun
Students give the thumbs up while having fun building with oversized building blocks on the school’s new turf.
Over fall break, Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) got an exciting new addition: 9,600 square-feet of turf installed on the playground. This upgrade was made possible thanks to the incredible support of the parents and community who helped reach the fundraising goal during the TTE’s biggest fundraiser of the year in September, the Timber Trot.
The new turf means more playtime for students even in wet or snowy weather. Teachers love it because kids can enjoy the field during winter without getting soaked or muddy, and there is no need to contact parents for a change of clothes.
Unlike some turf fields that use rubber pellets, this turf features crushed granite, sand padding, and an extra layer of sand, plus an irrigation system. The sand helps keep the turf warm, making it comfortable for students as well as the turf’s padding provides a balance of softness and durability. “It’s like a big green blanket,” said Assistant Principal Michael Cordova. “Kids love laying on it, rolling around and just enjoying the space.”
Since football and soccer are popular with both boys and girls, TTE added a set of soccer goals on the turf. Students are also enjoying getting inside human hamster balls, giant, inflatable, transparent spheres that users roll around for fun outdoors.
Parent Teacher Organization Co-Presidents Dawn Medina and Desiree Gentile shared, “We are so grateful to our community and the kids of TTE for all their hard work to reach our goal. It’s been wonderful watching them enjoy the new turf whether they’re doing cartwheels, playing soccer, or just relaxing and chatting with friends. Seeing their excitement makes all the effort worth it.”
The students of Timber Trail Elementary showing their excitement for the new turf with cartwheels, making turf angels and rolling in the human hamster balls.
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Michael Cordova and Dawn Medina
