The Bartlett HOPE Project met its fundraiser goal deadline of Dec. 15, and the students of Bartlett Elementary School will be enjoying a new, updated playground in a matter of months.

The project, organized by Jeff Tate, stands for “Help Our Playground Evolve,” and was created to give Bartlett students a safer, newer playground.

According to project head Holly Tate, the old playground is badly in need of repair. To fund a new playground, Tate, as well as people from the community and parents, decided to raise money by hosting a book fair and calendar raffle, and through area business grants and private donations. Last fall, Bartlett students entered Nickelodeon’s “Let’s Play Giveaway” contest and won $5,000 toward their new playground.

“We raised the $47,000 we needed to cover the equipment costs,” said Tate, “And, though the 40 percent discount is being honored by Little Tikes, we’re continuing to accept donations for services and needed supplies for the project.”

To raise additional money, there will be a community yard sale at Bartlett School on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donated yard sale items will be accepted at the school Friday, Feb. 15, and rented table space will be available for $10 for those interested in selling their own items at the event.

With plans drawn up by planner Steve Dibble, the build is scheduled for May 2, 3 and 4. The new playground will include a multilevel aspect of the current one to make it handicap-accessible and will be designed for children up to age 14.

Although the financial goal for the project was reached, HOPE is asking local businesses to donate supplies to help build the playground, as well as volunteers to donate their time and labor to make this project a reality.

“Specific items we’re hoping to have donated include two bobcat or trailer augers and concrete by the bag or truckload,” said Tate. “And, we’ll be in need of up to 50 volunteers per day for the project’s construction, as well as clean-up on Sunday.”

For more information, call 647-7247.