Mastery Charter Smedley Elementary School, 1790 Bridge St. in Frankford, is competing to win up to $50,000 for a new playground in an online contest sponsored by Clorox.
The school enrolls 715 students in kindergarten through sixth grade and is looking to develop a play recess program.
The current playtime space is a former parking lot full of uneven and broken blacktop. The school does not have enough play equipment for everyone, and it’s hard to organize activities.
School officials say this leads to misbehavior, and daily structured play will lead to improved test scores and increased social and emotional growth.
If Smedley wins a grant, it would put the money toward a smooth flat surface; trees to block some of the sun; playground equipment with swings and slides; fitness equipment; basketball courts with nets; and a space for a vegetable garden.
Clorox funds a grant program called Power A Bright Future.
Voting continues through Wednesday, Dec. 19, at 11:59 p.m. Anyone 13 and older can vote once a day by going to www.powerabrightfuture.com
Votes for Smedley will also be accepted by texting 2399pbf to 95248.
There are 508 contest entrants. The grand prize winner will receive $50,000. The next top two vote-getters will each receive $25,000. The Clorox judging panel will select three additional schools to win a $25,000 grant.
