Brandywine’s Merritt Elementary School will be getting new playground equipment this summer thanks in large part to the district’s elementary-based parent teacher organization group, Partnership for Children.

Partnership for Children raised around $20,000 over the past two years for the playground-replacement project through various fundraisers, including door-to-door sales, a spaghetti dinner, silent auction, family movie night and coupon book sales.

Principal Karen Weimer said current playground equipment is at least 13 years old. It needs to be replaced, she said, because some equipment is not compliant with state regulations based on the age of students.

“The state has different requirements for what equipment you can use based on age,” she said.

The project is expected to cost approximately $30,000, including equipment and installation. A pre-school grant will pay for part of the cost.

Weimer said they are focusing on purchasing equipment developmentally appropriate for students.

“We want them to be able to climb and use all parts of their body and motor skills,” she said.

Weimer said they’d also be looking for equipment that would allow students to spin.

“It helps improve their sense of balance, and for some students it can be a calming mechanism,” she said.

Weimer said the district plans on purchasing equipment by the end of the month and finishing the project in time for the upcoming school year.