The playground was designed by Penchura LLC and built under the supervision of Doug Smith.

Having the volunteers install the equipment was expected to save an estimated $42,000 and bring the playground cost down to about $152,000, some of which was covered by a community schools grant.

It replaces a playground that had fallen into disrepair at the school, 900 Fifth St. in Iron Mountain.

“We came across a few hiccups throughout the weekend, but Mountaineers do a great job of coming together to solve a problem and get stuff done,” said Maryssa Gussert, Iron Mountain Public Schools communication coordinator.

A WIDER VIEW of the playground volunteers helped assemble and install this weekend at Iron Mountain’s North Elementary School.

“In addition to the hundred people who dedicated time from their weekend for this special project, multiple local companies came together to make this dream come true and we are all so grateful,” Gussert said. She named Champion Inc., Swanson Solutions LLC, M.J. Electric, Grow Maxx, Advanta Print, Subway and Home Depot as major contributors to the project.

“We wanted to provide a product where kids are excited to be outside and they are safe,” Iron Mountain Public Schools Superintendent Jerry Sardina said. “We know that we are offering a playground that helps teachers inside the classroom on so many levels.”