On Friday, Nov. 3, 100 teachers, staff, parents and community members worked to build a KaBOOM! Playground at The Main Street Academy. 200 volunteers from Cox Enterprises also assisted with the creation of an outdoor play area. In addition to the new playground equipment, volunteers built an outdoor classroom, a music wall, picnic tables, trellis benches and an outdoor bowling alley.听
Administrators at The Main Street Academy 
believe the new playground will have positive effects on overall student physical and nutritional health. It will also allow physical education staff members at the charter school to fully implement their curriculum for students. School leaders also believe the new outdoor play area and equipment will lead to improved social interaction opportunities for students and benefit them academically.听
鈥淚n 1960 John F. Kennedy said, “physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a听healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity,” said The Main 
Street Academy Principal Cheryl Parker. 鈥淭hat statement is still true 57 years later. We are excited that our students will have more opportunities to play and be听creative.鈥�
Prior to the construction of the new playground, The Main Street Academy did not have enough playground equipment for all of its students to enjoy during recess.听The school decided to apply for the KaBOOM! playground grant as part of a continued effort to promote health and wellness. The Main Street Academy has 
pursued other health-related grants in the past as part of continued efforts听to provide additional resources for students. The playground was funded through money and contributions from The Main Street Academy, Cox Enterprises and KaBOOM!.听
KaBOOM! is a national nonprofit dedicated to giving kids the childhood they deserve so they can thrive. KaBOOM! works to bring balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids.听
