South Point Elementary Receives Grant for Playground Tables and Benches; Students Learn Advantages of Recycling
In 2021, the School District of Washington was in the process of constructing South Point Elementary.
Staff member Michelle Bobo contacted the East Central Solid Waste Management District-Region I, and shared plans to submit an application seeking funds through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Scrap Tire Material Grants. Funding was requested for the purchase of four six-foot park benches and two eight-foot picnic tables. The tables and benches would be made of reground polymer and crumb rubber, using more than 40 percent scrap tires generated in Missouri.
The Region I District wrote a letter of support for the proposed project, explaining that the district has worked to mitigate the issue of scrap tires for many years. The East Central Missouri Recycling Center (established by the district in 2010) accepts scrap tires from residents and farmers year round for a small fee.
The Region I District also offered to provide a presentation on recycling. On May 4 and 5, Chuck Eichmeyer visited South Point Elementary and provided presentations to students from several Schools in the Washington area.
Eichmeyer reported that the students were very interested in recycling and asked some great questions.
The Washington School District was successful in receiving funding for the proposed project. The tables and benches represent an excellent use of scrap tire material and the value of recycling for the students.
The project also represents an example of collaboration, as well as the help and support that the East Central Solid Waste Management District-Region I provides in the area.
“We are loving the new tables and benches on the South Point playground,” Bobo said. “The Blue Jay way encourages showing respect as students care for ourselves, each other and our space. We want students to have pride in their school inside and out. The durable benches and tables made of recycled material provide a great conversation starter about recycling and also caring about our planet. Every little bit helps, and everyone can help.”
Chuck Eichmeyer of East Central Solid Waste Management District-Region I made a presentation to South Point Elementary students about recycling. His organization helped provide funds for playground tables and benches made of reground polymer and crumb rubber, using more than 40 percent scrap tires generated in Missouri. The students learned the value of recycling from the presentation.
