Villa Rica Elementary School cut the ribbon on a complete playground replacement funded by Struktol Company of America and marking another step in extensive campus revitalization over the last two years.

VRES gained a new two-story classroom building in 2022, replacing two hallways that were among the oldest buildings in the Carroll County School System. The campus was also interconnected with a new hallway that allows students to move between campus buildings without going outside.

“Opening this playground with our students last week was a dream come true,” VRES Principal Alison Lyle said. “Our students have the privilege of learning in some of the nicest, most innovative learning spaces in the West Georgia area. Now through the generosity of Struktol, we have an opportunity to celebrate our outdoor spaces rising to the level of our interior campus improvements.”

Initial discussions with Struktol began in August 2023 when the company expressed interest in partnering on a community project. Over a series of meetings, Mike Reyher, Plant Manager for Struktol’s Villa Rica location, Lyle and school system officials developed a plan for a complete playground replacement including a shade structure that would create an outdoor classroom space. The estimated cost was $400,000.

“During that first meeting, I learned that this project was right in line with our foundation’s aim to promote science, education and sports for young people,” Reyher said. “With the help of the wonderful staff here at VRE and full support from our corporate staff in Stow, Ohio, a proposal to fund the project was drafted.”

The vision wasn’t just a playground. The school’s running club needs a track, so the proposal included $150,000 to fund that. When presented to Struktol’s foundation, Stiftung Pro Humanitate, the foundation agreed to fund the entire project – a playground called the Wildcat Wonderland in 2024 and a track to be completed in 2027.

“We are so grateful to Struktol for their support,” Superintendent Scott Cowart said. “One of the defining characteristics of Carroll County is the interconnection of our schools, our businesses and our nonprofit community. We work together to find solutions and build a better community for all of us. Struktol is a great community partner, and we are so thankful to have built this relationship that will continue to benefit our students.”

Lyle said the entire project aligns with VRES’s theme for the year: Dream Big, Work Hard, Achieve Greatness.

“We had a vision for a playground and track, and with Struktol’s help, our students get to enjoy the Wildcat Wonderland that we could not have built without their support,” Lyle said. “We teach students to focus on the future in a process that starts with dreaming big, setting goals and making a plan to achieve them. When they play on the new swings or slides or learn in the outdoor classroom, I hope our students understand the importance of always focusing on the future.”