Miss Lacy, surrounded by preschoolers of the past and present, shared a few words before letting the fun begin on the new playground. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Families, friends, and alumni gathered at Miss Lacy’s Preschool last week for a ribbon cutting ceremony, celebrating the completion of a long-awaited new playground.

Owner Lacey Starits said the project was years in the making, and became possible thanks to a mix of donations, fundraisers, volunteer work, and even hands-on help from families.

“We have been well overdue for a playground, and I am so thankful for everyone’s support to make this a reality for current and future preschoolers,” she told the crowd. “It truly wouldn’t be possible without all of you who have attended our fundraisers, donated money, delivered materials or helped with installation.”

The playground itself was assembled with the help of community members, including parents like Skyler Steuhm, a Hardon’s employee, who said his daughter’s enthusiasm was what got him involved.

“She came home and said, ‘My dad’s a carpenter, he can do anything,'” he laughed.

The children anxiously waited as Miss Lacy built up anticipation for the ribbon cutting, with the appropriately big “ceremonial scissors.” PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Steuhm spent a Saturday with family and friends installing the equipment, and said the reward came in seeing children’s reactions.

“It’s good to see smiles on the kids’ faces and know the kind of joy it brings them,” he said.

That joy was plain to see. From the moment the ribbon was cut, children ran toward the swings, slide, and climbing wall.

“Probably the rock wall,” said second-grader Cooper Hulin when asked about his favorite part. Another alum, Kamari Doyle, said she was just glad to reunite with friends: “I can see my friends again.”

The ribbon cutting also served as a preschool reunion, with former students — now in kindergarten and elementary school — returning to celebrate. For Lacey, it was about more than new equipment.

No more than a second after the ribbon fell, children swarmed the fresh playset. L

“Encouraging healthy activity is important,” she said. “The more energy they burn out here, the more they’re able to learn and focus inside.”

The celebration concluded with snacks and fellowship, families reflected on the growth of the program in just four years. As children climbed and laughed nearby, Lacy closed her remarks with a note of gratitude.

“Thanks so much to each and every one of you for not only supporting Miss Lacy’s Preschool with this project, but for all of your support over the past four years,” she said.

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Even Miss Lacy got in on the excitement of the new playground. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER