Eagle Mountain Elementary School recently celebrated the opening of its new playground morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted in partnership with the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce.
The playground, designed to give students a safe and engaging space to play and learn, marks a major investment in the school’s commitment to student wellness and development, the school said in a statement.
Principal Mychelle Spivey joined students Emmy Gitz, Melanie Treat, and Olivia Milum in speaking at the ceremony about the importance of the new play area for the school community.
Funding for the project came from grants awarded by The Toro Company and Casey’s Cash for Classrooms program. Additional donations were provided by Baker Family Dentistry, White River Distributors, and Schmitt Templin, LLC, along with contributions from other community members, in loving memory of Presley Grace Schmitt, the daughter of former Eagle Mountain Elementary student Hannah Schmitt and granddaughter of Eagle Mountain Elementary teacher Julie Grace (pictured below, holding banner, with Spivey and Eagle Mountain Elementary students).
Spivey said the playground reflects the community’s shared dedication to creating opportunities for children to grow, explore, and connect.
“This project wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of our local partners and supporters,” she said. “It’s a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together for its students.”
“Today is more than just an unveiling of a piece of playground equipment; it is a celebration of what play means for our students. Play is where friendships are built, imagination comes alive, and confidence grows. It is where students learn teamwork, problem solving, and perseverance in the most natural way possible—through joy and movement.
“Recess and play are not just breaks in the day. They are essential to all our children and their development. When our students climb, run, and laugh together, they are not only exercising their bodies but also their hearts and minds. This new playground represents our commitment to creating a school where learning and laughter go hand in hand. It’s a place where every child can explore, dream, and just be a kid.”
Gitz shared her excitement and perspective: “I am excited and proud to welcome you to the first phase of our new playground at Eagle Mountain Elementary School. What started as a simple fundraiser to replace broken slides turned into this entire new structure. Our equipment was worn down, broken, and outdated. Repairs were needed but extensive. A group had a vision to create a safe, better place where we could play. Everyone knows that recess is one of the best parts of the school day. My friends and I have already enjoyed playing leapfrog on the new turf under the shade canopy. We have many more ideas and opportunities to keep improving the drainage issues and adding more shade.”
Treat highlighted the generosity that made the project possible: “This playground is the result of the generosity and work of so many. Thanks to Ms. Walmsley for providing grants. We were awarded two that were instrumental in this project—a grant given by the TORO Company in the amount of $10,000 and Casey’s Cash for Classroom in the amount of $25,000. And thank you to Baker Family Dentistry and Schmitt Templin, LLC (in loving memory of Presley Grace Schmitt) for their generous donations and many donations in memory of Grace, WRD, the Grace Family, many families, and community members. Every dollar made a difference, and we are so thankful.”
Milum spoke about the impact the new play structure will have on students: “The total cost of the playground was just over $94,000. Every penny goes into the quality and safety that every kid can enjoy. I love the new playground because of the shade. There is less probability of getting hurt.”
Principal Spivey closed the ceremony with gratitude for everyone who donated, volunteered, and supported fundraising efforts: “You helped give our kids a place to learn, play, and grow. This playground is a true reflection of what community looks like and what it means to come together.
Click here to watch a video of the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Images submitted and via Eagle Mountain Elementary
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