St. Catherine of Siena builds new school playground

The new playground at St. Catherine of Siena Parish and School in Metairie was built by skilled and unskilled construction volunteers and parish organizations Aug. 3-7. It replaces a 30-year-old wooden playground – built by St. Catherine School parents, many who are now grandparents of SCS students. The original playground had fallen into disrepair due to the natural elements of sun and rain. With safety being a priority, the decision was made to build a new, expanded playground using modern technology that is weather-resistant and won't rot, fade or splinter. The playground has artificial turf replacing the former tire mulch; a rubber running track and is surrounded by an iron fence. The same company that created the playground 30 years ago – Playgrounds by Leathers – again designed this one. It was funded primarily by donations from the parish Men's Club, Ladies Coop Club, a school-building fee as part of tuition, summer camp proceeds and iGiveCatholic donations.