Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - Squeals of laughter, flashes of color, and smiling children are found on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Childcare Center's outdoor playground as the children of students, faculty, staff, and community members enjoy the recently installed play equipment. UWP senior design students Tyler Smith, Michael Scheller, and Jesten Sterry, from the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science (EMS) who worked in coordination with education majors, installed the childcare center equipment.

A suspension bridge six feet long and five feet wide was built using ACQ treated lumber that is child friendly. "There was a bridge that had a two foot drop to the ground. Our design gives a better bridge the children can run and frolic across but with only a one foot drop," said Smith.

Two bench swings were designed to hold up to six children each, using the same lumber as the bridge. Both swings were designed and constructed from the frame up. "We've had to do a lot of work with safety codes, heights, and fall protection on the ground," commented Scheller.

Finally, a seven by seven foot solid oak log sandbox replaced the current three by three foot sandbox. "Not only are we making more room for the kids to play, but we're also relocating the sandbox to the other side of the building," said Sterry.

Kathy Iselin, director of operations for the children's center, credits Rea Kirk, an education professor, and Lisa Riedle, an engineering professor, with the new equipment. "They wrote the grant, got the funds, and organized the students to complete the task. I can't say enough about how wonderful this addition is. The children are really happy," said Iselin.

When asked what they had to say about the swing, sandbox, and bridge there were resounding "Thank You's" echoed by the giggling children who thoroughly enjoy playing on the new equipment.