SALEM — St. Paul Elementary celebrated its new playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and ice cream social last week.

“This project has been a labor of love. We wanted to create a space that not only brings color and fun, but also supports the school’s strong focus on STEM education. Seeing the students interact with the playground in the exact way we envisioned makes all the time and effort completely worth it,” said St. Paul School Foundation Vice President Samantha Bahr.

The new playground was built in the vibrant colors of the Ohio STEM School Designation logo and was made possible through the support of the St. Paul School Foundation and community members throughout a two-year fundraising campaign led by foundation members, with additional financial support from a GameTime grant. The participation of the foundation in the project extended beyond just fundraising with members helping to design the playground and working directly with DWA Recreation, Hippley Landscaping and Austintown Fence to bring it to life.

Bahr said that the new playground, which replaces one that was dedicated in 1994 and was the foundation’s first philanthropic project for St. Paul Elementary, was the product of the multiple communities’ support including the students, who contributed ideas, drawings and even their quarters to the project.

“This playground is a symbol of how much your school, parents, teachers and community care about you and believe in you,” Bahr said.

After a group of students cut the ribbon, the Rev. Joseph Ruggieri, pastor of St. Paul Church, blessed the playground and led all in attendance in a prayer for the safety and happiness of everyone who would play there for decades to come. Following the ceremony, students were treated to ice cream by Totally 80s Ice Ice Cream.

“We are incredibly grateful to the St. Paul School Foundation for their continued commitment to our school and our students. This playground represents more than just a new place to play — it’s a symbol of the joy, energy and community spirit that has defined our school since 1904,” Ruggieri said.

The new playground structure features unique inquiry-based play stations designed to “spark curiosity, creativity and problem-solving” and to encourage students to “explore basic principles of science, technology, engineering and math in a hands-on and engaging way, even during recess,” according to a news release.

Students at St. Paul have already begun making happy memories at the new playground, with student Abbey Kotel giving it a glowing review.

“I love the new playground. The talking tube and the rainbow shadow spinner are my favorites. It’s like learning without even knowing it. Playing soccer on the new turf has been so fun too,” Abbey said.