Students at the Children’s Education Center of the Islands are grateful for the support of John Grey Painting in painting their old play structure to make it look brand new – reduce, reuse, recycle.

The playground had a play structure that, while still fully functional, stood out like a sore thumb. It was large and blue with faded red handles. Tearing the structure down was discussed, but the opportunities it offered the students in improving their gross motor skills with climbing and balancing, as well as the creative play – imagining that the play structure was a pirate ship or submarine – were unmatched.

Director Cindy DeCosta discussed with John Grey the possibility of painting it using special paint that would adhere to the plastic and withstand the hot Florida sun. Grey aid said it would be no problem.

“It’s important to us to support our neighbors,” he said. “We are happy to partner with The Children’s Education Center and be a small part in creating a positive learning environment for island kids.”

In an effort to reduce the amount of plastic that the preschool uses, students bring in their own water bottle daily and parents are encouraged to pack their children’s lunches using reusable containers.

“The Children’s Education Center truly appreciates the generosity of John Grey Painting in helping us with our dilemma,” DeCosta said. “While it may be an easy paint job for them, allowing us to fulfill one of our nature school objectives is huge to us. It allowed us to save a substantial amount of money as well as reduce, reuse and recycle.”

For more information, contact DeCosta at 472-4538 or cindy@childrenseducationcenter.com.

The Children’s Education Center of the Islands is at 350 Casa Ybel Road, Sanibel.