Thanks to efforts from the Parent-Teacher Organization, Reynolds Elementary School students now have a newly expanded playground.

"The kids are using it quite a bit and they love it," said Reynolds Elementary Co-Principal Brian Bronson.

"This PTO is just a phenomenal group of workers," said Co-principal Barbara Clawson. "They have enhanced the school in so many ways ... we are most appreciative. They truly have a commitment to the children of the community."

Bronson said members of the PTO first approached the school last summer about expanding the playground.

After getting the go-ahead in August from the school board's buildings and grounds committee, PTO members looked through playground catalogs at different designs.

Money from PTO fund-raisers, like the annual Easter candy sale, covered the $16,180 cost of the new equipment, which was installed in late fall by Jeffrey and Associates, Pittsburgh -- the same firm that built the playground in 1995.

The expansion includes four new swings on both the primary and the intermediate sides of the playground, bounce swings, an extended border, teeter-totters on the primary side and a thicker wood mulch landing area.

The playground was built in a way that would not interfere with any of the free play areas.

"They took the existing structure and made it more symmetrical," Bronson said.

The contractor also left room to expand the playground in the future.

Since the students helped to raise the money, they have a personal investment in the playground.

"A great deal of effort went into raising the money, and the kids helped to raise the money," Bronson said. "It's nice to see them enjoy the fruits of their labor."