Children at Cayucos Elementary School will soon have a new playground where they can romp, climb, and play — even better, funding for the new space came via donations.
The Cayucos Elementary School Board of Education recently approved a combined $90,000 in donations from the Rotary Club of Cayucos and the Cayucos Education Foundation (CEF) to fund the construction of the new, state-of-the-art play structure on the school’s lower field. It will replace the 30-year-old equipment currently in place that is showing signs of aging, rusting and stability issues.
“The Cayucos community is a special place that comes together with open arms to support our school and students,” Cayucos Elementary School District Superintendent Jen Gaviola told Estero Bay News. “It is quite amazing. In all of my 25 years in public education, I don’t think I felt such strong dedication and love for a school district by its surrounding community.”
The design for the $97,000 structure features ADA-accessible swings and greater accessibility overall allowing all children the opportunity for imaginative play, physical activity, and social interaction. Landscape Structures describes the BeachComber design as “ride the wild surf on this wondrously wavy play structure. Kids will love creating seaworthy adventures as they sail across the Tidal Wave Climber, wind their way down curvy slides and hop-hop-hop over the Pod Climber. A cool color palette accentuates this flowy design that honors the graceful motion of ocean waves. Young imaginations are encouraged to go with the watery flow as they surge forth to encounter marine life, discover buried treasure and explore the oceans of activity.”
The Rotary Club of Cayucos contributed $50,000 to the project, and the Cayucos Education Foundation contributed $40,000.
“The Rotary Club of Cayucos is dedicated to making a positive impact both locally and globally,” said Jessica Peterson, founding Cayucos Rotary Club member, in a news release. “These donations reflect our commitment to supporting vital humanitarian efforts, fostering community well-being, and investing in our children’s future.”
The Cayucos PTA has already dedicated $7,000 from the McGee/Gaeta Annual Cayucos Turkey Trot. The school is also exploring potential partnerships with local companies for pre-construction work. Installation is tentatively planned for June 2025.
The community is invited to further support the play structure and lower field project by attending the Cayucos PTA Gala on March 29 that is almost sold out. It includes hors d oeuvres and tri tip inner, complimentary sparkling wine upon arrival, a dessert station, a cash bar featuring a signature drink, music, photo opportunity and silent and live auctions. Proceeds from the inaugural event go to the lower field and play structure renovation. Tickets can be purchased online for $100 https://bit.ly/41pVlwc or by emailing Cayucospta@gmail.com.
