With a collective cheer and a chant of “playground, playground” the group consisting of kids from Panama’s pre-kindergarten through second grade and third through fifth grades made their way out onto the playground.

The playground has been refurbished as a part of Panama Central School’s recent capital project and opening day has been two months in the making.

“Our students have had noses pressed to windows over the last two months watching the playground being built,” Superintendent Aaron Wolfe said. “As Mr. Rogers said: ‘Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.'”

The official opening of the playground to the students on Thursday began with a short dedication ceremony at 1:30 p.m. to acknowledge all the hard work that went into making it a reality.

New attractions on this playground for students include swings, slides, monkey bars, a music area, a toddler area and a sit and spin. P-J Photos by Sara Holthouse

Accompanied by Wolfe and other teachers and staff at Panama the children were able to use the playground for the first time before the weather is set to take a turn as the winter approaches. The new playground includes attractions such as swings, slides, climbing areas, sit and spins, a music area, a toddler area, monkey bars and a teeter totter.

“This is a wonderful thing for our students and community,” said Lauren Harper, elementary principal. “It was a part of our recent capital project and was planned by (former superintendent) Bert Lictus, (district treasurer) Amanda Kolsteee, (supervisor of building and grounds) Shaun Hummel and myself.”

Harper said the playground was put together with the idea that children learn through play and with a focus on areas of the playground that could be suitable for all students.

“Children learn immensely through play,” Harper said. “We had a focus on equipment that would be used for all of our students. We especially had an emphasis on the toddler area. We wanted to provide a space for the whole student body to enjoy, learn and grow. It’s super exciting.”

Harper also thanked Wolfe for taking over the project when he moved into his superintendent role.

“Wolfe saw the project through after Lictus retired,” Harper said. “He was great to step in.”

The playground will be open for all Panama students and the Panama community as long as the weather remains decent.