CULLODEN -- It’s not unusual for parents and community members to pitch in and help build or improve school playgrounds, but a playground project at Culloden Elementary is getting a little extra attention. A local construction company, Pray Construction, and other members of the Contractors Association of West Virginia are volunteering their time and labor to give the children of Culloden one of the highest-quality facilities in the county.

“The school’s PTO was able to raise $18,000 to purchase the equipment,” says Wendy Long, representative of the Contractors Association. “Now we are fortunate to have these licensed contractors sharing their talents to help us install it.”

Long says Pray Construction of Scott Depot will work with school system representatives to oversee the installation process and to make sure all safety regulations are met. Pray’s employees and licensed contractors from several other construction companies will then complete all installation work at no cost to the school.

“We are thrilled that our parents and these wonderful contractors are able to help us make the new playground a reality,” says Debbie Smith, Culloden Elementary Principal. “Besides being a whole lot of fun, playgrounds provide students with a terrific opportunity to exercise and build strength. It’s a very important part of keeping kids physically fit.”

The design schematics for the new playground will be unveiled to parents and community members at the school’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meeting this Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 6:00 PM in the school’s gymnasium.

Members of the public and news media are welcome and encouraged to attend what Principal Smith says is sure to be an exciting meeting. Representatives from Pray Construction and the other construction companies volunteering their time will be on hand to discuss the project and to preview their plans with the Culloden community.

Pray Construction Company’s Marketing Director, Debbie Lilly, states “Building a better tomorrow starts with our children and what better way than to give them the “building blocks” of a brighter one. We are happy to be a part of this special event.”

Construction work is planned to then begin this Friday morning (weather permitting) and will continue throughout the weekend so that students could possibly begin using the new playground Monday, September 21st. The school’s PTO will be providing lunch to the contractors as they work Friday.