They waited anxiously for the day it would open.

While it may have taken a bit longer than they hoped, the colorful new playground at Peters Elementary School was well worth the wait for the over 350 students who will experience the joys of using it.

Faculty members, a school director, and several administrators joined building Principal James Schnyderite for a brief ceremony to usher in the new playground located behind the school Tuesday morning.

Schnyderite said that after a great deal of patience in which students were limited to jump ropes and soccer balls for recess, the new playground is not only a welcome addition, but also a breath of fresh air.

“We’re here to celebrate (the official first day of the opening of the playground),” Schnyderite told the students as they gathered around their new purple playing field and cheered on the new Bulldog mascot.

When Schnyderite asked the students who like the new playground to give a thumbs-up, he was met with a resounding response.

Afterward, Superintendent Matthew J. Link thanked everyone who played a role in making the new playground a reality.

“We really wanted to have this for you on the first day of school,” Link said. “I hope you have a lot of fun, and I hope you’re safe and I hope you have many, many great memories (to come from the new playground).”

Count second-graders Riley Miller and Brayson Walk among those who gave their cool-looking surroundings their stamp of approval.

“I like the slides,” said Riley, 8. “I’m just really glad they made the new playground.”

Brayson, 7, agreed with his fellow classmate, adding, “I like the spinning thing over there.”

In June, the school board approved the purchase of the playground equipment through GameTime at a cost of $87,845 through the general fund.

The playground project had been in the works for several years, according to Greg Derr, Director of Support Services.

Derr said that funding, COVID-19, and shortages in materials were the big obstacles to overcome.

He added the playground equipment was installed the week of Sept. 20.