A lush new start

THE students of Warilla Public School were in high spirits as they made their way onto the schools newly revamped back playground for the first time last week.

Federal government funding to the tune of $133 032 allowed the school to complete a security fence around the school's perimeter and landscape the back playground.

What was previously a hard, dirt oval has been transformed into a lush playing area that the students can use and enjoy everyday without the risk of injuring themselves on an unsafe surface.

The playground's refurbishment included levelling the area, laying turf, an underground irrigation system and the installation of two 28 000 litre, fully automatic water tanks.

Shell Cove Concrete completed the work, showing such dedication staff spent a number of nights sleeping over to make sure the area was kept safe. Brings new meaning to the phrase "watching the grass grow"!

The area was officially opened last week by Member for Throsby Jennie George who said funding for the project was part of the $1.6 million injected into the electorate as part of the Investing in our Schools Program.

Also on hand at the opening was Shellharbour Mayor David Hamilton.

School principal Warren Grosse said the work, which took about four months to complete beginning last December, was a dream come true to the school.

"It was dangerous for students to play out here (on the back playground) so to see it as it is today is a great thing for the school," he said.

He congratulated students on their behaviour in keeping away from the area during the ten weeks of term one when the grass was beginning to grow.