Community Education Building in Wilmington is getting a playground

The Community Education Building (CEB) – the former MBNA headquarters turned home base for education nonprofits and charter schools – is building a playground that will serve the students of Kuumba Academy Charter and Great Oaks Charter School.

The playground will open Tuesday, September 9 at the corner of Walnut and 13th streets in Wilmington. It features two slides, trapeze rings, playhouses, ball funnel and other climbing elements.

“We are delighted to provide this wonderful addition to our campus” said CEB CEO Linda Jennings. “Physical play is critical to a child’s healthy emotional, social, and physical development. Daily rigorous physical exercise made possible with our new playground increases student focus, enhances critical thinking, and leads to higher levels of engagement in learning.”

The $150,000 playground was funded one hundred percent through donations. The largest donors to the project were Thomas L. Sager, Kuumba Academy Charter School, Wohlen Construction and Discover Bank.

“Most of our students live within the city limits and don’t have access to a playground outside of school.” said Sally Maldonado, Kuumba Academy head of school. “With the exception of physical education class and dance time, our students had limited opportunities for fun, outdoor play necessary to burn off energy and develop gross motor skills.”