Parents try to swing new playground

North Haven (WTNH) - Some parents say the playground at a North Haven school is unacceptable; they are upset about the condition of the equipment and are now Counting on 8 to help get the ball rolling on some improvements.

The parents say they pay taxes and their kids deserve better; the town doesn't deny that but says it's all a matter of money.

"The teachers, too, say they want something better for the kids; they feel they deserve something better and it goes hand-in-hand with learning," said Parent Jennifer Crisanti.

Besides the old rusty swings, the property at the Clintonville Elementary School playground has a drainage problem; the ground stays soggy after a rain. Kathleen Kessler said that's no place for her daughter, Callie, and her friends to play.

"You think these kids would have suitable playgrounds across the town at all four schools; they should have playgrounds. I find it strange that it's not part of the budget to get that for them," said Kessler.

The school district, in North Haven, is aware of their concerns but says a new playground is a matter of money the town doesn't have.

"Like most towns we have limited budget for maintenance items; we have a set budget for repair and unkind equipment but we are not able to upgrade the playgrounds to the level the parents would like," said Ed Gomeau, Director of Finance and Operations in North Haven.

Parents have formed a fundraising committee and need to raise $70,000. They hope somehow the town will lend their support.

"We are willing to work with them and use our personnel and whatever money we do have to help them along but in many cases the PTA's have raised money themselves; we've helped them along getting the playground in," said Gomeau.

The parents are trying to arrange a meeting with the school superintendent to show her their plans. They are trying to model themselves after a group of parents who raised thousands of dollars to successfully improve the playground at Ridge Road Elementary School in North Haven.

If you want to learn more about fundraising efforts, email Clintonvilleplay@aol.com