OGDEN, Utah – Students from the Parson Construction Management Technology Program at Weber State University received some hands-on experience recently by volunteering some much-needed service.

For more than two years the Whitesides Elementary School Parent Teacher Association raised money for a new playground. This summer, after the new equipment had been purchased, the Layton Rotary Club approached Associated Contractors of WSU, a construction management student organization, about assembling and installing the playground for the school. The WSU students accepted the project and spent part of Oct. 7 and most of Oct. 8 volunteering their time and labor to complete the project.

“Projects like this give the students practical application and also benefit the community,” said Chris Soelberg, assistant construction management technology professor and Associated Constructors adviser. “The students read blue prints, installed footings and assembled the equipment – all experiences that will serve them well in their careers.”

Eighteen people volunteered as part of the project. Wasatch Electric also donated auger equipment to aid in digging the footings.

Although the majority of the project is finished, the WSU students will continue to add some finishing touches to the project in the coming weeks.