A new play structure was unveiled at Salmon Bay School on Oct. 31, as children, staff and parents gathered to celebrate.

"I love this new play structure. It is challenging and fun. It will make such a difference for our kids. They love it and think it's great. They said it was awesome," said Salmon Bay Principal Jodee Reed.

An older set of play equipment remains at the playground, while the new set, made in Europe by Kompan is designed for kids ages 5 to 13 years old.

"It's more challenging. You have to be a little taller and stronger. You can work you way up to it. There are three objects that spin. It's a lot of fun," said parent Sam Star, who spearheaded the project.

Committee member Thor Tyson gave credit to Star. "Without Sam, this would not have happened," he said.

The Kompan equipment uses a concept called "continuous play," because kids can climb on it and explore it without having to come down.

SBA Landscape Architects worked on the design, sight work and some of the fundraising.

"It went smoothly and the community was great to work with. The Parent Teachers Association was supportive," said Susan Black, president of SBA Landscape Architects.

A committee of 15 was formed and was awarded a City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Matching Grant of $100,000. The Seattle School District provided $30,000.

Carter Volkswagen, the Safeco Foundation and Fred Meyer Foundation all supported the project.

Volunteers helped with the match. On Oct. 12 through 14, 150 people logged 600 hours installing the equipment. Students also helped haul bark and did other tasks.

"I want to thank all the kids who cooperated with us. It starts with someone having a real cool idea," said Reed.

Star has 600 sheets of paper with suggestions from the children. Requests for a big screen television and ski slope were unrealistic, but a variety of trees, tables and new asphalt were not.

"I really like it, it is real cool. I just like the whole thing, it is fun," said third grader Max Berner-Hays.

Another third grader, Tiffany Ton, dressed in a pink fairy outfit for Halloween, liked the poles set apart from the play structure that kids can stand on.

"I like the spinning things. It is so fast," said Ton.