By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
When Debra Hawrysko’s eight-year-old grandson became overheated and sick during recess, it changed how she saw the playground.
“That experience opened my eyes,” she said. “I later learned that out of all the playgrounds in Fluvanna County schools, the first and second grade playground at Central Elementary is the only one without any shade.”
That realization sparked a project now moving forward through the Fluvanna Leadership Development Program (FLDP), where Hawrysko and her FLDP23 cohort have made the construction of a shaded pavilion their class initiative for the 2025–2026 program year.
“There are three project groups this year, and this became our team’s focus,” she said.
The idea gained momentum after Hawrysko learned that the Lake Monticello Community Foundation had previously explored building a pavilion at the lake and raised funds for it.
“It seemed like a perfect opportunity to redirect those resources to support students instead,” she said. “Even though we ultimately didn’t receive funding from them, that moment was the inspiration behind the idea.”
For Hawrysko, the need was clear.
“It wasn’t right that the youngest and most vulnerable students were playing outside in the blazing sun with no access to shade,” she said. “This project grew from wanting to make sure every child has a safe, comfortable place to learn and play.”
The pavilion, designed to seat up to 36 students at six picnic tables, will provide both relief from the sun and a flexible outdoor learning space. A student from Carysbrook Elementary, which already has a pavilion, described its value simply: “We use it if we need to take a small break and are worn out and need water.”
Weather permitting, the structure can serve as an outdoor classroom, offering teachers a change of setting while supporting student well-being.
“This is highly beneficial for their mental health and overall well-being,” Hawrysko said. “Socially, it gives students a place to rest, cool down, and take a moment if they need it.”
The proposed structure—measuring 24 by 25 feet and standing 10 feet tall—was designed to accommodate a standard class of 15 to 17 students, with enough room to host two classes while maintaining ADA-compliant spacing. Built for durability, the low-maintenance pavilion is expected to last more than 20 years and can be installed in one to two days by the FLDP team.
The project has been fully funded through community support. Tenaska donated the full project cost of $9,087, while Home Depot and Lowe’s each contributed three picnic tables. Additional support came from Wahoo BBQ and Armstrong Landscaping, which each donated $300 toward a solar ceiling fan.
“All of our partners showed true community involvement and commitment,” Hawrysko said.
Beyond its immediate use as a shaded recess area, organizers say the pavilion will serve as a long-term asset for the school, supporting both learning and student wellness for years to come.
