Playground shade canopies celebrated at Irving Elementary

JOPLIN, Mo. – A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned in celebration of sponsored shade canopies recently installed on playgrounds at Irving Elementary School in Joplin.

The event will be held at 11:30 a.m. next Monday, June 20 at the school, 2901 McClelland Blvd.

The four canopies were purchased and installed after Irving Elementary PTO president Elana Liu surveyed the school’s staff about big-picture hopes and needs at the school. The feedback from teachers, said Liu, showcased an overwhelming need for shade in the outdoor play areas.

Liu said she and another member of the PTO worked for nearly two years on the fundraising project, which was ultimately fulfilled through help from area sponsors including Arvest Bank, Mercy Hospital, Hometown Pediatrics, Walmart, and other community donors. When full funding for the $14,000 canopies was achieved, an anonymous partner offered to donate full installation services, saving what would have been an estimated $12,000 in additional project costs.

“The shade canopies have created an opportunity for our students to have fun and build friendships, while escaping the hot sunny days and enjoying shaded areas to hang-out,” said Irving principal Jordan Adkins.

“We are so grateful for our fantastic PTO and all of the generous sponsors that made this happen for our Irving students and staff,” Adkins added.

The canopies were installed over Christmas break this past school year. Plaques thanking and commemorating the project’s sponsors have been positioned on each canopy so their efforts will be remembered in the coming years.

The community is invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony.