More than a decade of bake sales, fun runs, and community fundraising came to life this spring at John Newbery Elementary, where a brand-new playground is taking shape — and students couldn't be more excited about it.

The John Newbery PTA has been working for over ten years to replace playground equipment that was originally installed in the 1990s. Through their annual fund run and a series of community fundraisers, the PTO raised $125,000 — a testament to the dedication of Newbery families and the power of a community rallying around its kids.

"Just seeing this project get completed after so many years — it's been so rewarding," said PTA President Mareena Pierce. "When I became president, Principal Yanez asked us to keep the momentum going. I walked into the school recently and saw the work happening and heard how excited the kids were. Despite some hiccups along the way, seeing the community come together to make the playground a reality has been really fulfilling."

At Wenatchee School District, parent organizations aren't just supporters — they're partners. The John Newbery PTA's decade-long commitment to this project is a powerful example of what happens when families and schools work side by side toward a shared goal. The result isn't just a new playground — it's a deeper bond between a school and the community it serves.

Built By the Community — Designed By the Kids

The project was a true community effort. The PTA partnered with Absher Construction for the concrete finish work, independent playground contractor Steve Burgener for site preparation and expert guidance and installation, and Wenatchee School District, which provided additional financial support and landscaping to bring the project across the finish line.

But perhaps the most meaningful part of the process happened before a single piece of equipment arrived. PTA representatives visited 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classrooms to ask students directly what they wanted in a new playground. The feedback was enthusiastic and it shows in the finished product. The new playground features a zipline, two sets of monkey bars, and a spinning cyclone.

The new playground is located near the front of the school along Western Avenue, offering greater accessibility and visibility for both students and the broader community. The location reflects a belief at the heart of Wenatchee School District — that belonging doesn't begin and end at the classroom door.

The PTA would like to thank the following community members and groups for the generous financial support of the project:

• Wenatchee Pediatric Dentistry
• CW painting
• Merrill and Week Orthodontics
• Brazeau Orthodontics
• Goodfellow Brothers
• South Restaurants 
• Wenatchee Electric 
• Cascade Auto Center
• Cordell, Neher and Co.
• Au-to Mocha Espresso 
• Wheatland Bank
• Jeff and Laura Monda
• Wenatchee Valley Medical Group
• Ribbon Cutting

A public ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at Newbery Elementary, 850 North Western Avenue on Friday, May 29th, at 1:45 PM to commemorate the new playground.