BATH — Students at Bath Elementary School will have something new to look forward to when they return to school next Monday. A freshly-poured basketball court will provide a new place to play thanks to the efforts of the Bath Elementary Parent Teacher Organization.

The new court marks the second phase of a playground improvement project started by the PTO last year. In May, the group held a ribbon cutting for a new $6,500 swing set on the playground. The basketball court, a $9,000 project, only lacks lines and benches around the perimeter, items still on the PTO’s to-do list.

While the court is currently a half court, BES PTO President Maecy Douglas says that the group will consider expanding to a full court depending on how much it is utilized.

Both of these improvements were funded by PTO-hosted events throughout the year, including last year’s Fall Festival. A second major fundraiser at the beginning of the summer, the PTO’s Kick Jam kickball tournament raised an additional $3,200, putting the basketball court within reach.

While playground equipment is included in budget requests made to the school system each year, such improvements are not always given first priority amidst tight budgets. By fundraising and garnering community support, organizations like the BES PTO are able to take action and make improvements like the swing set and basketball court happen.

“We thank everybody for the support they have given us,” Douglas said. “Because of the Kick Jam, we we’re able to pull it off.”

Serving alongside Douglas as officers for the PTO, Frankie Jordan serves as vice president, Jeanea Boyd serves as secretary and Heather Boyd serves as treasurer. This year’s fall festival will be held on Oct. 26 at BES.

To learn more about the Bath Elementary PTO, visit the group’s Facebook page or email BathPTO@gmail.com.