Marshall Hill Elementary dedicates new $35,000 playground
West Milford. Marshall Hill Elementary School dedicated a new playground Aug. 26 after the PTA spent two years raising $35,000 through fundraising and donations to replace the outdated equipment.
news /
| 31 Aug 2026 | 03:26
Marshall Hill Elementary School principal Patrick O’Donnell cuts the ribbon on the school’s new playground. (
)
From left, Clarence Smith, American Legion; Frank Metz, American Legion; Patrick O’Donnell, principal; Rudy Haas, VFW; John Trojanowski, VFW; Pat Loughman, VFW; Mike Dotson, VFW, pose for a photo. (
)
Marshall Hill principal Patrick O’Donnell talks to the crowd before the ribbon cutting. (
)
Children rush the playground after the ribbon cutting. (
)
Patrick O’Donnell, principal of the Marshall Hill Elementary School, on Aug. 26 dedicated the playground the PTA made a reality.
Surrounded by students, parents and donors, O’Donnell cut the ceremonial ribbon and excited children rushed to be first to play on the jungle gym and swings.
The new playground replaced an existing one that was outdated and lacked the features the new playground offers. The $35,000 playground renovation was outside the school budget, so Marshall Hill PTA members spent two years raising money through fundraising and donations. On the cold Friday after Thanksgiving 2025, volunteers, including the school’s eagle mascot, conducted a coin drive in the center of town. In addition, donations were provided by organizations such as the Rotary Club, American Legion Post 289, West Milford PBA, West Milford VFW Post 7198, as well as donations from teachers, other organizations and private donors. The West Milford Trust gave the largest donation at $5,000.
“It was wonderful to see two years of hard work culminate in dozens of little faces thrilled to get past that ribbon,” Marshall Hill PTA President Sarah Shutrop said. “Our executive board is honored to have gotten to play some small part in creating space for our kids to make memories, build character, and make friends!”
The next project to enhance students’ educational experiences is to add a swing for students with disabilities and communication boards, which are visual tools that help children communicate when speaking is difficult or impossible.
The Marshall Hill Elementary School has 275 students enrolled in grades K-5.
“This playground equipment provides more than just a lot of fun,” O’Donnell said. “It also provides space for students to learn and grow. They will learn turn–taking, conflict resolution, creativity, problem-solving, and so much more. Sometimes, our most vivid childhood school memories take place on the playground.”
