MENOMONIE, Wis. (WEAU) - Former Green Bay Packers Players are spending time in Western Wisconsin, upgrading an elementary school playground. The hope is that all students can enjoy the equipment.
“I’m such a huge fan of the Packers, and I can’t believe they’re building this right now,” a student at River Heights Elementary School said.
Through the hometown huddle, former Green Bay Packers players are making recess available for everyone at River Heights Elementary School.
“It’s great to give back and to come back here and be a part of something like this,” Esera Tuaolo, a former Green Bay Packers player, said.
“The old playground, it’s beloved in the community,” Victoria Johansen with the River Heights Elementary School said. “It’s just kind of getting to the point where with wood and things, it’s just hard to keep up and keep repairing.”
The Packers, with the support of the NFL Foundation, provided $50,000 for the project.
“They like play good together and they’re like really good sportsmanships,” Marlee Harmon, a fourth-grade student at River Heights Elementary School, said.
“Youth is definitely one of our biggest pillars for our community outreach,” Amanda Weary, the Community Outreach Manager with the Green Bay Packers, said. “The community has supported us for over 100 years, and we really just want to make sure that we are giving back and instilling the next set of leaders in our space.”
For Packers players, whether drilling, hammering, or ever raking, it’s simple.
“It’s all about giving back,” Tuaolo said. “It’s all about helping kids and organizations like this.”
But for school districts like Menomonie, it’s a special treat seeing Green Bay legends on the playground, making sure everyone gets the chance to play.
“It’s really amazing seeing them over there,” Harmon said. “Helping us do stuff that other kids can’t do on the playground.”
“This is our first piece of equipment that is wheelchair accessible that anybody with mobility issues could successfully plan on no problem,” Johansen said. “They get to play with all their friends and peers, and I think that’s important.”
This is the first part of creating the accessible playground. The district is actively fundraising for part two. If you are interested in donating to part two, you can do so [HERE](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3787591216268495982&created=1758043469.5356069&printed=1).
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