November 15, 2007 - After months of fundraising, the entire Southgate Elementary School had something to sing about on Nov. 2—-the grand opening of its new playground.

"This is testimony to the hard work of everyone here today," said Southgate Principal Jerri Lynne Dedrick. "I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and perseverance."

Members of the Friends of Southgate Committee, which includes community members, parents, teachers, former Southgate principal Kathy Meany and the Southgate PTA, were in attendance on this beautiful fall day to see the fruits of their labor.

The committee, co-chaired by physical education teacher Peter Mravlja and Southgate parent Jennifer Martin, formed in February 2007 with the charge of planning for the renovation of the largely inadequate, 51-year-old playground, researching possible playground designs and developing fund-raisers.

Approximately $90,000 was raised through fund-raising efforts such as a walkathon, a roller skating party, a barbeque, the sale of note cards created by students and the sale of Southgate memorabilia during the school's 51st anniversary celebration last June. In addition, the receipt of a $5,000 government grant and generous donations from Southgate families and area businesses, including Stewarts, helped the committee reach its goal. An extremely philanthropic, supportive community member also made a sizeable contribution toward the renovation.

Before students were set loose to swing, slide and cross the monkey bars on their new playground, they sang the Southgate Playground Song in unison:

"Hey Southgate, did you hear, we're getting a new playground this year... We're going to run in the sun. It's great for everyone... Swinging and climbing everyday, jumping and running all the way... Recess time will be great fun because our new playground is done."

The song, written by fourth-grade students with the help of fourth-grade teacher Miss Michelle Carioto and music teacher Mrs. Karen Amedio, can be heard in its entirety online here.