Havasu’s Smoketree Elementary Celebrates New Playground Areas

By Becky Maxedon

Smoketree Elementary School in Lake Havasu City had quite an exciting event to celebrate Thursday.

The school officially opened its new playground areas.

“We are here today to do a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of our three new playground areas here at Smoketree,” said principal Nina Mersing.

“Our students have been patiently waiting and watching as the contractors were diligently working to plan and prepare these beautiful places for them to play and practice their athletic activities,” she said.

Smoketree playground RiverScene Lake Havasu

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The excitement was palpable. “They are just so excited,” Mersing said.

The area consists of two different basketball courts – each designed for students with different skill levels.

“We have tetherball for the students. We have different things for them to climb on and different activities for them to ride on, and new type of merry-go-round.”

There are new swings and a soccer area. Concord General Contracting footballs, soccer balls and basketballs, as well as some other playground accessories.

“We have four-square for the students to play, and a bunch of different sensory activities, and a beautiful new bike path for the kids to ride their bikes,” Mersing said.

“We are so thankful to the Lake Havasu High School Band and Color Guard for joining us today and all of the community members and district administration for being here to help us celebrate and finally give the kids the opportunity to play on these new spaces,” she said.

“The kids are having so much fun. It’s very exciting to watch them play.