Mariemont Community Church (web annex)

The preschool playground was originally located between the Parish Center and the Mariemont Elementary School. The playground was built in 1934 for the grand opening and sole use of the Mariemont Community Preschool, which was located on the second floor of the Parish Center. The Mariemont Community Church Preschool (MCCP) began using it when it opened in September, 1969. Both schools shared the playground until the Mariemont Community Preschool closed due to low enrollment.
     In August, 1981, the Mariemont City School System approached the church and asked for the existing playground to be removed to create additional parking spaces for the teachers. In return, the school system would give up several of its parking spaces, located behind the Parish Center, to allow a new playground to be installed.   The Mariemont School System also offered to pay to have the new playground enclosed with a chain-link fence. The deal was made and the climbing equipment was moved to the new location. MCCP’s playground is still located in that same area today.
      In 1988, when the playground equipment turned 19 years old, it was agreed that it was time for improvements. Jane McDonald, preschool director from 1987-1989, approached the Kiwanis Club for a donation to help pay for new climbing structures for the playground. With their $1,000 donation, a yellow school bus, train and merry-go-round were installed.
     Since the children also did not yet have shade while playing on the playground, Jane ordered a maple tree to provide needed protection. When delivered, the tree could fit in the palm of your hand; now it’s approximately 35 feet tall! Today, the tree is known as the “Carl” tree. Carl Weigleine is the late husband of June Cross. June Cross (Weigleine) was the preschool director from 1973-1981, and during those years Carl donated much time and labor on numerous MCCP projects. In 1987, Carl passed away, and in 1988, shortly after the tree was planted, a memorial plaque was placed at the foot of the tree in appreciation for his tireless sacrifice and dedication. Like Carl, the tree provides seasonal beauty and protection for the children, and the roots of the tree are a symbol of the vital part he played in helping the preschool to grow into what it is today.
    While the tree is still on the playground, the climbing equipment purchased in 1988 is not. In 2003, it became evident that the bus, train and merry-go-round were beginning to rust and become unsafe for the children. So, in 2004, they were removed and replaced with the current climbing structure, called “The Little Tykes Play Center 5.” The $4,000 used to purchase the climbing structure was raised through fundraising by the current director, Renee Roberts, the 03-04 staff, preschool families and donations from the Women’s Ministry and The Mariemont Preschool Parents Group. It truly was a blessing to have gathered the needed money in such a short amount of time.