LMSD Applies To Expand Play Area At Penn Wynne Elementary

WYNNEWOOD, PA — Penn Wynne Elementary School could be getting a new play area, according to the Lower Merion School District.

The district filed a land development application and a construction permit for a new hardtop play area at the school Thursday.

The Board of School Directors will have to vote on whether to approve construction of the play area, but the paperwork was filed now in consideration of both our students' needs and proposed changes to the Township's zoning.

If it gets approval, the new play area would provide additional outdoor space for recess, especially during periods of inclement weather, when students can't play safely on the wet grass.

A major factor in many decisions made by the district in recent years is growing enrollment, and the district said the play area expansion is no exception.

"Ensuring adequate space for active, physical play is a vital part of a well-rounded elementary school experience," the district said. "The new play area would allow our students to safely run, play and expend energy, which in turn promotes a healthy lifestyle and supports better classroom learning."

The district said it filed the application after seeing the proposed new zoning code in Lower Merion Township.

"Language in the proposed code could limit LMSD's future ability to modernize and expand our schools to meet enrollment demands," the district said. "If we don't apply to expand the play area at PWES now, we likely will not be able to do so in the future, regardless of our students' needs."