The Schmitz Park Elementary school playground equipment that suffered a fire at the hands of someone as yet unknown last June has now been replaced. And it's getting an enthusiastic reception from the kids.

Principal Gerrit A. Kirschner explained that they replaced the damaged equipment with the same model which helped keep the cost down since it used the same cement support piers. But better than that, when the time comes to move the gear to a new location, it can be unbolted and transported with some ease if it is needed when the school moves to Genesee Hill.

The cost was around $23,000 and district carpenters and trades people did the installation. Kirschner explained "It was financed by the district and it came under the deductible for the insurance. But they had to arrange the financing in time for the equipment to be made and shipped. They had a five week lead time." He said the financing was possible since they were able to "spend ahead" for the new building with this gear.

It was completed last week, inspected for safety, and then the kids were "trained" on its use.

That resulted in something unexpected. Instead of a free for all, the kindergarteners politely lined up to go on the gear's most popular feature, the big slide.

"It's been very well received," said Kirschner, "and they are very patient. It's like Disneyland or something."

They currently have 102 children of that age and the school has 600 attending.