NORMAL - Martha Stearns, a mother of four youngsters, is actively helping in an effort to replace worn-out playground equipment at Glenn Elementary School.

"The playground is very antiquated," she said. "It's just not fun."

She should know. Her boys, who range from age 2 to 9, visit the playground with her in the summer and during the school year.

Stearns is part of a playground revitalization committee hoping to raise $45,000 for a new play area that will serve the community and the school's 272 students. She estimates about $12,000 has been raised so far by the Parent-Teacher Organization and the community.

Glenn is part of Normal-based Unit 5 schools, but district funds aren't used for playground projects.

Ongoing fund-raising projects include an art fair in April, selling personalized paver bricks, and a dinner in May. A walkathon and parents' night out already have raised money.

"I think it's really cool that we'll have a bigger playground with more stuff," said her oldest son Jack, a fourth grader.

Children have been involved throughout the process. "They got to choose the colors and picked red, white and blue," said Karla Huffman, also on the committee.

Students clapped with excitement in February when Principal Carmen Bergmann showed them a giant drawing of the proposed playground at a morning assembly.

The project is going forward with the help of Town of Normal workers who will remove the old equipment, which is unsafe and can't be used by disabled children. Town workers also will help to install the new equipment and provide some of the ground cover, Huffman said.

As much of the equipment as possible will be installed this summer as funds allow, Huffman said. The playground will include climbing areas, slides, swings and benches for parents.

A committee is preparing for the Art and Shopping Extravaganza fund-raiser, which will showcase hand-blown glass, candles, jewelry, children's clothes and home-based businesses.

The entire Blodgett family is involved in the project. Dan and wife Kristine have been active, along with children A.J. and third-grader Klarrisa. "They're both excited," said Dan Blodgett, a project manager at State Farm Insurance Cos.

Because A.J. is in fifth grade, he won't get as much use from the new playground, but he and friends made suggested what children would enjoy.

"I like the idea of the rock climbing wall - that will be a hit," he said.

The 11-year-old has seen the plans grow. "I just really like the layout," he said.

Glenn students will see a lot of changes at their 54-year-old school this year. Classrooms are being renovated in the first round of renovation projects approved by voters Feb. 5. The plan, set for completion in 2011, would update current schools and build three new ones.

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GO!

What: Art and shopping extravaganza: Local artists and businesses will display blown glass, paintings, sculptures, more.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 12

Where: Glenn Elementary School, 306 Glenn Ave., Normal

Info: Visit www.unit5.org/glenn/ or call (309) 862-5005