Mebane, NC – January 27, 2025 – The sound of children's laughter filled the air as Audrey Garrett Elementary School students explored their brand-new playground equipment during today's ribbon-cutting ceremony. This celebration marked more than just a new play space – it represented the completion of an ambitious decade-long initiative to revolutionize recreational facilities across the Alamance-Burlington School System.
"We know that healthy physical and social environments contribute to healthy people. Our hope is that this investment creates safe, fun, and accessible spaces for kids to play and grow – contributing to a healthier Alamance County," said Tracey Grayzer, President of Impact Alamance. "We are grateful for our partnership with the school system, which made this possible."
The project's success stems from a powerful collaboration between multiple community partners. The Audrey Garrett PTO demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their school community by making a substantial financial contribution to the playground's construction. This local support, combined with Impact Alamance's funding, helped create a state-of-the-art recreational space that exceeds initial expectations.
"This is a tremendous milestone for our community, and we are deeply grateful to Impact Alamance for their unwavering commitment to our students and families," said Dr. Aaron Fleming, Superintendent of the Alamance-Burlington School System. "These playgrounds not only enhance our schools but also create spaces where children and the community can come together to play, learn, and grow. The open-use policy reflects our belief in the power of collaboration, and this final ribbon cutting marks the culmination of a truly impactful partnership."
The transformation of ABSS elementary school playgrounds began in 2016, with Impact Alamance dedicating approximately $1,112,000 to the initiative. Working year by year to complete roughly three playgrounds annually, the foundation has now reached its goal with this twentieth and final installation at Garrett Elementary.
These new recreational spaces serve a purpose far beyond school hours. Thanks to the Community Use Policy, established by the ABSS Board of Education in 2016 with crucial support from the Alamance Wellness Collaborative, these playgrounds and walking trails welcome community members during daylight hours when school isn't in session. This accessibility has turned school grounds into neighborhood hubs, strengthening community bonds while promoting active lifestyles.
The ceremony concluded with students demonstrating the playground's features, but the impact of this initiative reaches far beyond today's celebration. Each of the 20 completed playgrounds represents a commitment to children's physical and social development, creating safe spaces where imagination, friendship, and healthy activity flourish. As the final piece in this comprehensive initiative, Garrett Elementary's playground stands as a testament to what communities can achieve when they unite behind a shared vision.
