Recess is about to become a lot more fun for pupils at Peebles Elementary School in McCandless.

After years of planning and fundraising, the school's parent-teacher association donated $21,000 worth of playground equipment to the North Allegheny School District.

"School isn't just about books and classrooms," the PTA's co-presidents Theresa Hollywood-Evans and Kim Pillage said in a joint statement. "Social interaction and physical exercise are also important parts of our children's education."

The equipment includes a wave-shaped motion ride, a four-station spinner, a wiggle walk and a tether ball pole, Ms. Pillage said.

The donation, which includes installation, will increase the size of the existing playground by 1,640 square feet.

"Our goal was to expand our playground, incorporating new activities that would accommodate multiple children," she added.

On Aug. 26, the North Allegheny school board accepted the donation and thanked the PTA.

"That's a very generous donation," said board member Thomas Schwartzmeir. "The board would like to express its gratitude."

Brian Miller, assistant superintendent for curriculum, echoed that thought and gave kudos to the other parent-teacher groups who work to improve students' experiences throughout the district.

"The donated playground equipment at Peebles Elementary School reflects a great deal of hard work by the parents and will certainly enhance the experiences of students as they learn and play," he said.

"The district is very appreciative of the efforts made by our parent-teacher associations and organizations."