Fox Cities News

The Oshkosh Area School District and Read Elementary School have announced the grand opening celebration for the school's newly renovated $540,000 playground and outdoor learning spaces. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 25 from 5-7pm.

Following months of construction, the final phase of the Read Elementary playground renovation project will be unveiled. This revitalization effort reflects a significant community-led fundraising initiative aimed at providing students, families, and the neighborhood with an engaging environment to play, learn, and grow.

Key features of the new fire station-themed playground include a fire truck play structure, swings, a ninja obstacle course, book walk, musical instruments, performance stage, outdoor classroom, community gardens, little free library, tree-to-tree walk, cedar playhouse and other elements designed to support both active play and quiet reading.

The grand opening event will feature various activities for children and adults. Highlights include a real fire truck on site; meet-and-greet sessions with Marshall from Paw Patrol and Firefighter John from the Oshkosh Fire Department; free face painting; free Kona Ice; free books from United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library; and music by Will Nye the DJ Guy.

"Through the generosity of our community supporters, this playground will be an incredible space for students, families and neighbors to learn, play and thrive for years to come," said Emily Eisenschink, Read Elementary School principal. "We are so grateful for the donations and volunteer efforts that made it all possible."

A recent addition to the project is a vibrant mural painted on the school's exterior walls by students and staff under the guidance of Appleton artist Neo Medina. The mural project was supported by ArtsCore—a partnership involving Paine Art Center and Gardens, UW Oshkosh, and the school district. Overall support for the playground revitalization has come from over 20 local businesses, organizations, and numerous individual donors.

The grand opening celebration is free and open to everyone in the community. It will take place at Read Elementary located at 1120 Algoma Blvd in Oshkosh on Tuesday, June 25 from 5-7pm.