Community raising money for school playground

TITUSVILLE, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - A community is coming together and getting creative to raise money, so the children at Oak Park Elementary School can have a proper playground.

The school currently has a play area for the little kids, but there is no longer equipment for the older students. That's because last year, Brevard County Public School officials said the playground was not structurally sound enough. That didn't sit well with local boutique owner Sandra Jankovich.

"I was really just shocked and sad," said Jankovic.

However, she saw an opportunity to help, so she began cheerleading for the cause. She is organizing a fundraiser fashion show that will happen in October at the school. The shopkeeper has a personal connection to the playground.

"I went to South Lake, Madison, and Astronaut, and I used to go on the swing set on my way home, so it's near and dear to my heart." Jankovic said.

Brevard County's public school system will match up to $25,000. The school system doesn't have money in their budget for a playground replacement, but it does have grants for going in on grassroots efforts and school-initiated projects.

The new playground equipment has already been picked out and the price tag will be between $50,000 and $60,000. In addition to the fashion show, there's also a Go Fund Me page, and other fundraising methods are in the works.

"I think every child at every elementary school deserves a playground." Jankovic said.

Jankovic says there are life lessons on the playground, like waiting your turn, sharing, and making friends -- that's why this is so important to her.