PADUCAH, KY — [March 16, 2026] — Clark Elementary School PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) is pleased to announce the installation of two new playgrounds on the school property. Both playgrounds were made possible through fundraising by Clark PTO.
The playgrounds, which were completed in late fall 2025, are located behind the school. One playground is designed for kindergarten through 2nd grade and the other for 3rd through 5th grade. Both playgrounds feature ADA-accessible equipment, rubber safety surfaces, and a more secure setting with fencing and ample green space.
“The journey Clark PTO has been on to build these playgrounds has been a true labor of love,” said PTO president Lauren Case. “It’s a true testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together to achieve a collective goal. Local businesses, Clark families, teachers, administrators, and community partners allowed PTO to fundraise, plan, and dream. We now have two completely new playgrounds that will provide safety, accessibility, and fun for Clark students for decades to come.”
“Seeing our students explore these new playgrounds has been incredible. Play is essential to learning, and the accessibility of these spaces gives all of our children room to grow, create, and connect. We are grateful to our PTO and community partners for making this dream a reality for our students,” said Kelly Workman, Clark Elementary Principal.
Clark PTO volunteers spent two years fundraising for the playgrounds so the school district would not be burdened by the cost of the project. Successful fundraising efforts were made possible by the generous support of the community sponsors, including Paducah Dermatology, Ballert Medical Aesthetics, CFSB, Banks Market, Jeannie's, the Rains family, BFW/Marcum Engineering, Paducah Bank, the Cappock family, Waterway Ag, Jim Smith Contracting, Total Life Care, Newton Roll Offs, and the Paducah Public Schools Foundation. Additional funds were leveraged through Clark PTO’s annual fundraising events, including Clark Carnival, Silent Disco, and more.
Additional project support was received through a Crumb Rubber Tire Grant from the Kentucky Division of Waste Management, which covered the cost of the poured-in-place rubber surface, providing a safer environment for children to play and ensuring accessibility for students or all abilities. This grant was instrumental in bridging the financial gap and finishing the project.
As Clark Elementary School embarks on this new chapter with its two new playgrounds, the community celebrates a project that embodies unity, collaboration, and the shared commitment to providing the best possible environment for all students.