Huth Road Elementary celebrates new inclusive playground thanks to community generosity

A $100,000 gift from Island United Presbyterian Church helped make new playground & chorus risers possible for Huth Road students

Submitted by the Grand Island Central School District

After more than 30 years of use, the playground at Huth Road Elementary School has received a much-needed transformation, creating a refreshed outdoor space where students can play, explore, build friendships and feel included.

Completed and opened to students in September, the new playground features modern equipment and an updated environment designed to encourage physical activity, exploration and social interaction. Accessibility and inclusion were key priorities throughout the project, with the goal of creating a welcoming space where students of all abilities can participate in play alongside their peers.

“We wanted to do more than replace aging equipment,” Huth Road Elementary Principal Max Pikula said. “Our goal was to create a space where all students feel welcome, have opportunities to participate, and can build friendships through play. Every child deserves to feel included in the school experience, and this playground reflects that commitment.”

The project was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Island United Presbyterian Church, which provided a $100,000 gift supporting both the new playground and chorus risers for Huth Road Elementary. The Huth Road PTA also played an important role by supporting the project and helping identify items on the school's playground wish list.

“The generosity of Island United Presbyterian Church has made a lasting difference for our students,” Pikula said. “This gift goes beyond playground equipment. It provides a place where children can be active, connect with one another, and experience a sense of belonging. We are incredibly grateful to the congregation and to our Huth Road PTA for helping bring this vision to life.”

Since the playground opened, students have embraced the new space with excitement and enthusiasm. Their appreciation has extended beyond enjoying the equipment, as students are now working on creative ways to thank the congregation of Island United Presbyterian Church for its generosity.

“This has been a wonderful opportunity to help our students understand the importance of gratitude, community partnerships and giving back,” Pikula said. “It's exciting to see how much this playground means to them, and we hope they recognize the kindness behind this gift and the positive impact a caring community can have.”

The new playground represents more than an improvement to the school's outdoor space. It reflects a shared commitment to ensuring students have opportunities to learn, grow and connect in an environment where they feel valued and included.

“The support of Island United Presbyterian Church and our Huth Road PTA will benefit generations of students,” Pikula said. “We are thankful to everyone who helped make this project possible, and proud to have a playground where every child can feel welcome, included and excited to play.