Morgen Owings Elementary opens new playground

“This playground was possible because our community cares.” – Camisha Hughbanks

CHELAN – Morgen Owings Elementary (MOE) kicked off their first day of school on August 29 with a ribbon cutting ceremony, opening the new playground equipment for the students. After a year of planning, fundraising, and preparing the play area has been opened for MOE students to enjoy.

Camisha (Hughbanks), former PTA president at MOE, presented the idea to principal Heidi Busk and the Lake Chelan School Board last year. 

“One year ago, almost to the day,” said Busk, “Camisha, came … and said, ‘I think we need a new playground at MOE’. And a year later, we have that playground. She is an amazing, motivated, driven person who made this happen.”

 Hughbanks stepped forward and was presented with an appreciative bouquet from Busk.

“So many people were so important and so instrumental in making this happen … Adam Rynd with Coldwell Banker, helped me develop a fundraising goal, helped me develop a fundraising vision, and he generously kicked off the very first significant big donation to get this playground going … this playground was possible because our community cares,” said Hughbanks

One of the significant contributions was courtesy of the Lake Chelan Lions Club. After 100 years of community service, the Lions contributed a climbing dome for the children at MOE, deemed the “Lions’ Den.” 

Many other contributors made the playground equipment possible for the elementary school.

“Columbia Valley Community Health, North Cascades National Bank, Chelan Fruit, Lake Chelan Lions Club, Walmart … and many many more,” said Hughbanks.