The Creek View Elementary School playground will have a new look in the fall as the school has secured more than $41,000 in funds to upgrade the existing facility.

State Rep. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, helped secure a grant to be used to upgrade the playground, and he stopped by recently to present the $30,000 check.

“Creek View Elementary is constantly looking at new ways to provide a better education environment for their students.” Ward said. “In light of the need to improve physical education opportunities in our schools, I think this new playground will be a timely addition to Creek View.”

Creek View Principal Joyce Dixon said Ward is always willing to help in any way he can.

“He’s a very integral part of the Alabaster community and he’s always wanting to know what we’re in need of and how he can help,” Dixon said. “If we have a need, he’s going to find a way to fill it.”

In addition to the grant presented by Ward, Creek View was also able to raise $11,000 through fundraisers, the PTO and donations.

The money will be used to put a down a rubberized surface to make the facility wheelchair-accessible, in addition to adding other equipment.

“With the pea gravel we currently have, the special-needs children were only able to play in a small area. Now, they’ll be able to move better and be where their friends are,” Dixon said. “I think it’s very important for all our children to have access to whatever we have here at the school.”

Dixon said Creek View added an extra set of swings before school let out in May, and she can’t wait for the kids to see the newly improved playground.

“Just by adding six more swings, they were so excited,” Dixon said. “I can’t imagine how excited they’re going to be when they get back in the fall.”