ECHO, Ore.-Students in Echo have a new place to play at recess, as the district officially opened the new Echo School Playground on April 14.
“Community groups came forward and helped pay for this, as well as the Echo PTO and a grant from the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation,” said Echo Superintendent Raymon Smith. “We’d also like to thank Mr. Holman (Principal) for all he did to make it happen.”
Following a quick countdown, students swarmed the new playground, their play and laughter an instant seal of approval for the project that took about a year from idea to completion, according to Smith.
“The old one had seen better days,” said Holman. “It got to the point where we couldn’t replace parts anymore, we needed a whole new playground.”
The total cost of the playground project was about $180,000, however, Play On Sports decreased the cost by about $80,000, according to Smith. The Echo School District picked up about 60 percent of the cost, and grants covered the other 40 percent.
The Echo School District received a Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation grant during the Spring 2026 grant cycle to help pay for the playground.
“Students have been anticipating this for several weeks, and it’s absolutely wonderful to see the joy on their faces today,” said GSCHF Board President Amanda Carnine. “It’s always nice to visit smaller schools and neighboring communities in the regions we serve.”
Holman and his shop students removed the old playground, and the new one was installed in about three weeks leading up to the grand opening.
“Kids and the community are excited. It’s been the big talk of the town as far as ‘when’s it going to open?’” Holman said. “It’s a neat playground, it’s new and safe.”
According to Smith, the playground is constructed with certified plastic and powder-coated steel, with safety features, including splinter-free bark and an area for younger Preschool and Kindergarten students designed with decreased fall zones.
“The previous playground was old and raggedy,” said Smith. “This is a fresh look that shows pride in our school and community. It’s another element that shows kids it’s exciting to come to school every day.”
