Welcome to the Shady Point Elementary School Playground Project. 

 
Build Date: 11/07/06 

  Welcome to our home page! We're so glad you dropped by. Shady Point Public School is a small independent school located in Southeastern Oklahoma. The community population is approximately 850, with an average school enrollment of 127. Student population is comprised of 76% Caucasian, 19% American Indian and 5% other ethnic diversities. The male to female student ratios are 57.5 to 42.5 respectively. The playground would provide a playspace for the entire school population and many other community children not currently enrolled in the Shady Point School system. 

  Shady Point is primarily a low-income community, with many families operating family farms or working industrial jobs in Ft. Smith, Arkansas which is located approximately 30 miles east. Of the students attending Shady Point School 91% qualify for the free lunch program and 19% for the reduced lunch program. According to the 2000 Census Bureau, the median income for a household within Shady Point is $24,453; with over 23% of the population living below the poverty line. The communit is a tight-knit and cohesive group of close friends and family members who have a deep concern and desire to provide the best possible educational and developmental foundation for the children of its community.

  The site for the new playground equipment is currently occupied by a playground that was constructed by community volunteers. The newest structures being those made of wood were constructed approximately 16 years ago and the metal structures fabricated by volunteers was constructed over 30 years ago. The current playground was constructed of lumber and volunteer fabricated play equipment. Much of the wood structures are dry and brittle resulting in numerous students experiencing splintering and wood-related injuries due to the deteriorating condition of the wood. Surface cover is inadequate in many areas and non-existent in others.

  Come back often to check on our progress, and learn how you can volunteer to help us make the kids' dream a reality! Thanks!