Selectmen gave the thumbs-up on July 29 for a plan put forward by school officials to raise money for a new playground for area students.

Jim Lewis, Henry Moore Elementary School assistant principal, told the board that right now, students have to make do with a playground that essentially consists of a swing-set, a slide and bark mulch. There were approximately 450 kindergarten through eighth-grade students at the school last year, and Lewis said he’d like to see a new, modern playground for his students.

He said parents and students recently put together an example of a new playground, and he said that Massachusetts-based builder O’Brien and Sons has come up with a $70,000 design. He added that the design includes popular new “wish-bone” and “corkscrew” slides seen in many area parks, and school officials hope to get help from local businesses in an upcoming fundraising endeavor.

“Our goal is not to come to the town for one penny,” he said. Instead of taxpayer funding, Lewis said officials have planned events on Oct. 3 and 4 that they hope will raise all or most of the money they will need to build the playground.

A spaghetti dinner has been scheduled at the school for Oct. 2, and the following morning, a 5-kilometer road race will also help raise money.

Lewis said the plan is to raise money primarily through the entrance fees and corporate sponsorships of runners, and the race has been scheduled for a Saturday morning, so as not to interrupt the weekday business traffic in town. He asked for the board to give their endorsement to the race, and board members appeared enthusiastic about the event.

Selectman Chairman Fred Kelley said the fundraiser is something that he is “definitely in favor” of, adding that he has already discussed the issue with Police Chief Michael McGillen. Selectman Richard Lazott moved to approve the request, stating that “the effort is commendable,” and the board gave its unanimous approval.

School Board member Ingrid Byrd, who was at the meeting as a member of the public, said she favored the fundraising approach, especially during a time of tight finances. She also commended Lewis for taking an active role in the project. “You have to give Jim a lot of credit for sticking around in the summer, and he doesn’t even live in Candia,” she said. “Anything we can do to help pay for things is a good idea.”