BRIDGEPORT -- The saying "it takes a village to raise a child" rang true when the Bridgeport community came together to build a new preschool playground.

Children, community and school officials gathered this morning for a ribbon cutting celebrating the completion of the playground project.

Superintendent George Schlothauer said establishing a preschool at the school has required a lot of effort. 

"We moved a couple of classes around, and found a bigger space for this. We also knew we needed more space for the playground, and obviously equipment too. And so, Stacey, I'm going to give her the credit. She was spearheading this whole project," Scholthauer said at the ribbon cutting event.

Watts said Bridgeport's preschool is in its second year, and needed more adequate facilities.

"Last year was our first year with preschool and so we started out the year in kind of a small classroom and with a small playground area and we knew it just wasn't big enough. We wanted it to be inclusive so all the kids could play," Watts said.

She took on the project, including seeking financial support.

"I started the project and asked for a little help. I got a $25,000 anonymous donation matching. So, it just really ... snowballed. It was awesome. The community came together," Watts said.

She said the preschool playground is the result of several businesses and community members coming together and financially supporting the playground. The playground cost a little more than $60,000.

The playground is designed to accept children and adults with mobility challenges. The playground also includes an updated drainage system to move spring and winter moisture away from the building, and fencing for security of the students.