PU students build playground in Oxford

OXFORD, Ind. - A group of construction engineering students from Purdue University spent the day working on a playground for the Head Start Program in Benton County.

Purdue Student and event organizer Ryan McCrary outlined the group's plans.

"Today we're building three picnic tables for the children. We're going to be building a deck to put the picnic tables on, and then we'll be installing a weather station, and creating flower pots," said McCrary.

McCrary said that the project was perfect for the group to pitch in on.

"Not only is it good to help the kids, but we're all constructing engineering related majors so it's kind of hands on getting some construction experience," said McCrary.

Purdue student Peter Gao helped build a deck on the playground. Gao is a member of the Construction Engineers of the Future.

"I think it's great to help out the community especially inspiring kids. From our perspective it's a good learning experience. We're all construction engineers however we never really have the experience to work outdoors. This gives us a good chance to inspire and help out little kids and help us grow too," said Gao.

Sherry Max, of the Benton County Head Start Program, was touched by the students' help.

"I think it's the most wonderful thing in the world. We were short on funds and the playground kind of didn't get finished. We've been working on this project for over 10 years, and these guys stepped up, and we're finally going to get our playground complete," said Max.

Purdue's construction engineering and management fraternity Beta Tau is going to be resurfacing parts of the playground in the spring.

To make a donation to the project contact Beta Tau President Logan Cook at (317)-538-0390 or ljcook@purdue.edu .