GRASS VALLEY, Calif. September 30, 2024 – The excitement was palpable this morning at Margaret G. Scotten Elementary School in Grass Valley as the ribbon cutting for the new playground took place. In 1987, the Grass Valley School District built the Margaret G. Scotten Elementary School, named after a lifelong Grass Valley resident who worked for the district for 46 years.
Replacing a playground that was likely 20 years old, the new and larger playground offers more activities and an improved surface. Principal Susie Patterson welcomed students, staff and some parents. Superintendent Andrew Withers, Assistant Superintendent Brian Martinez, the project manager for this very special construction project, were on hand to look over the sea of 345 students ready to play. Board Clerk Debbie Lindh and Administrative Assistant Kathryn Baker were recognized for their help in shepherding the project to its successful conclusion.
Principal Patterson shared that a teacher present at the ribbon-cutting today was a student when the old playground was unveiled.
The project was partially funded with Measure D tax dollars and a generous donor, a former Scotten School teacher, helped speed construction along. Construction started in mid-July and Park Planet put the finishing touches on the playground last Thursday.
On Friday, students were able to beta test the playground and their rigorous testing continued this morning!