Public discussion held on playground addition to Charlottesville elementary school

CHARLOTTESVILLE, V.A. (WVIR) - Plans to bring a playground to a Charlottesville elementary school are coming into focus.

Wednesday night, the Walker Buford United PTO hosted a public discussion to talk about the “Playground for Walker" initiative. Right now, Walker Upper Elementary only has a blacktop area, a basketball court, and a field for children to play in.

The executive director of the initiative Christa Bennett says a playground plays a crucial role in a child's development.

"It is the single greatest intervention that can be used for all students of differing abilities, different backgrounds,” Bennett said. “Having play increases their psychosocial well-being, increases academic test scores. It is amazing the difference it can make for all students."

Bennett says the group plans to start a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs. She says a donor has already pledged to match donations.