New Playground for Dauphin Island

 

 

 

What is one of the best memories that you have of elementary school? The playground right? Dauphin Island Elementary students have had to do without their slides and swings since Hurricane Katrina. Principal Kathy Gallop said that had to change.

"I think it's sad especially for such a wonderful school the kids need something to release some energy and so I was pleased the PTO brought the project and said we want this," said Gallop.

40-thousand dollars was raised but they still needed another 12-thousand for installation. That's when Exxon Mobil stepped in and said we'll handle it.

"We have been partners for quite awhile with the elementary school for several years now and we wanted to show we are a part of the community," said Paul Dieffenthaller with Exxon Mobil.

All of the workers here today are employees of Exxon Mobil, except for two and you are never going to believe this. They are from England visiting, heard about this project and just showed up to help.

The friends were studying at Oxford together when they decided to take a trip.

"We decided to come down here and just tour around and see what the South of the US was really like, see the culture, and meet the people," said Jorick Van Der Hoeven.

They attended the city council meeting on the island last night and heard about the chance to help out the kids.

"This is an awesome playground, the first idea was just to work because we like to be outside then we came and saw it and said we have to be apart of this," Van Der Hoeven said.

And this awesome playground will definitely be somewhere these students can make memories.