Playground

and ladders.

Georgia United Credit Union created the foundation in 2016 to support programs that improve the quality of life for children and families, including School Crashers. It has funded projects at 33 schools in the past six years and is on track to do 10 this school year.

“Camp Creek is in such great shape, the building and classrooms didn’t need anything — everyone is so engaged,” said Kim Wall, director of business and community development for Georgia United.

Although the foundation helps fund school improvements, the road from inspiration to completion can be complicated.

“They can’t just snap their fingers and a week later you have a playground,” said Peggy Arnold, the school’s head custodian who worked closely with Georgia United.

The project began in April, and the squeals of delight from kids enjoying a mid-morning break for recess was proof the work paid off.

Sets of blue and orange paws (the school’s mascot is a tiger cub) show the way to the new structure. And as the youngsters walked along the path, Greyson Cannatta could barely contain his excitement.

“Thank you,” he said to the adults assembled as he rushed toward the new equipment. “This is the best present ever!”

Jolene Kinney’s daughter is in first grade at Camp Creek, but she still helps out with the 18 pre-K students. Additional students will be added throughout the school year as they turn 3.

“This is such a great project,” she said watching the kids. “It may seem little to some but to these kids, it’s huge.”

ALYSSA POINTER / ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM Camp Creek Elementary preschooler Greyson Cannatta takes a ride down the slide of a newly built playground in Lilburn on Monday. “This is the best present ever,” said Cannatta.