http://66.225.205.104/SO20090422.mp3
When Bruns Avenue Principal Steve Hall first came to the school in July, he says he found BB gun bullet holes in the slide. And the playground in general was in poor shape. "There was broken equipment. One of those devices where kids are supposed to hold on top and slide, that was completely broken. There were a few things here but it would be impossible for any of you or any of your children to look at it and say, 'That is an appealing place where I want to hang out.' There's nothing appealing about it," he says. Hall lobbied for a brand new playground through a playground build program. So on this blustery but sunny day, his project is taking shape. A pile of Carolina soil, bags of mulch and some green metal beams start to transform into a swing set and a climbing gym. About 120 volunteers move fast. Amid the bustle Daniel Simmons talks with reporters. He's the school's student spokesperson. And he's also a fifth grader. "I think it means to all the students that somebody cares about them because ever since we had the same playground, it has been torn up," he explains. "I think since they're building this, it'll be more safer." Daniel starts middle school in the fall but he plans to come out to play next year. Center City Partners, corporate and community sponsors supplied the volunteers and donated $70,000 for the playground.