Construction is nearly complete on a new playground for Newell Elementary in Grand Island.

A ribbon cutting was held Monday night.

It's a testament to a seven year fundraising effort, which got ramped up this year thanks to an Individuals with Disabilities Education Act grant.

But, to get the $30,000 in funds parents and school officials had only about five months to raise $25,000 more for the rest of the playground.

To add to their slow-going box tops fundraiser, the playground committee asked Newell alum, and former teachers and parents to help.

"Twenty-five thousand is a lot of money to raise in such a short amount of time, and I was surprised at how committed the Newell community was to getting this money raised," said Principal Andrew Rinaldi.

Newell PTA President Sebrina Bergmeier said her kids love the new playground. She's happy that fundraising for the equipment is over.

"Being able to not have to fund raise and do all the extra little things. We'll still be able to do that, but that means more technology, more books for our libraries, more things that we're able to take care of and do for the kids here at Newell," she said.

Newell's principal says the old wooden playground wasn't in good condition.

The new equipment will also allow students in wheelchairs to play.