Paton Playground Project Reaches Goal

At a Paton Pride meeting earlier this week, the PTO found out it had reached its $72,000 goal of fundraising to build a new playground to replace the one removed just under a year ago.

"All the donations we were hoping for in January came through," said Paton PTO President Lorraine Daignault. "We had originally thought it might take three years to raise the funds, but so many people in the community came through to support the project."

The last few donations were from Dunkin' Donuts, the , the and the Shrewsbury Rotary Club.

“We are thrilled that the Rotary Club of Shrewsbury’s Death By Chocolate fundraiser helped the Paton PTO to meet their fundraising goal," said Selectman Moira Miller, who is also a member of the Shrewsbury Rotary Club. "We live in a great community where individuals, businesses and community organizations are quick to come together to support a local need. The Paton School community should be very proud of their efforts and the new playground will be enjoyed by many children for many years to come.”

Throughout the last year, students from Paton and around the community donated birthday gifts, opened lemonade stands, made friendship bracelets to sell and even did penny drives to help meet the goal.

"There was so many kids and groups that helped us out, the whole community got involved," Daignault said. "It was so overwhelming to see, but so amazing to see how the town came together."

"We are so fortunate to have so many dedicated parents who worked on fundraising, and several parents and staff who completed the selection of the new equipment, as well as many, many families and community members who made donations," said Paton School Principal Jayne Wilkin. "We really thought this would be a multi-year effort. I am amazed that about $70,000 has been raised in less than a year, and that the children will have a new playground in less than a year and a half after losing the old one. I’m reminded of the quote attributed to Margaret Mead about what a small group of people can accomplish."

In May, 50 to 80 volunteers are needed to install the new playground at the school. Anyone is welcome to help out. For more information, visit the PTO's website.