Photos Provided Bridgeport schools Superintendent Brent Ripley looks over the site of a basketball court to be included in the district’s new playground. A new playground site beside the administrative building was decided on during planning sessions for the new state-funded multipurpose facility to be dubbed “the Bridge” and now under construction.

BRIDGEPORT — A new playground at Bridgeport Exempted Village School District will welcome students in the fall and serve as a spot for community recreation.

Construction on the state-funded education, training, health and community center to be dubbed “the Bridge” will continue through the summer and into the coming school year before it is fully completed and standing beside Bridgeport Elementary. This also meant moving the playground, and district leaders included plans for a new site by the administrative building.

Maintenance and Transportation Supervisor Dave Lewis pointed out the basketball court has already been poured, prepped and cut, with the basketball hoops installed the week of June 23. Striping will follow in the next week or two.

Lewis said the playground itself will have the same dimensions as the prior one.

“It’s identical in size except now we have a sidewalk that leads to it, so it makes it a little more accessible,” he said. “We want this all done before the date of returning to school, Aug. 27.”

Some improvements will include an elevated edge with protective mulch. Lewis said the district is also exploring options for other additions.

“We’re trying to get some grants to cover some new equipment, something more interactive for the kids while they’re here.”

He said they are hoping to install swing sets, drums, and other amenities.

Superintendent Brent Ripley and other administrators invited elementary school students to give their input during the planning process. Ripley said school officials took their suggestions to heart.

“The kids gave a wish list of things they wanted, which was impressive! Now, it is our pleasure to seek the additional funding to help bring many of the items on that list to fruition,” Ripley said. “For this year, we are moving the old playground equipment next to the basketball court and Rotary Shelter.”

Lewis added that when complete, the playground will serve both the elementary students and the public after school hours.

“It’s great for the community to have something extra,” Lewis said. “We’re looking for it to be a better part of the community and give everybody something more.”

Ripley said the district is working with experienced professionals and they have made thorough preparations for the continuing construction. The new playground is one example of changes for the better. When completed, the Bridge promises to make Bridgeport a hub of training and education, health care and community events for the surrounding area.

“I just want to thank every student and parent for their understanding and patience through the next school year. There are going to be changes in the way we do things, but I and the board want every student and parent to know that our end product will make them proud to be a Bulldog!”