In a moment brimming with both joy and sorrow, the Calexico Adventist Mission School students and teachers dedicated the Hector Velasco Memorial Playground on March 27.

“Hector was our development director for just four months before he was killed in a tragic auto accident,” said Susan Smith, principal. “Not long before his death on Sept. 30, he found donors and ordered equipment. By dedicating this attractive playground to him, we will remember his service for years to come.”

Set on a bed of fragrant wood shavings, the sturdy, colorful equipment — including stairs, bridges, poles, bars, platforms and slides — attracts children like a magnet.

“We are especially thankful for a group of Pacific Union College students who came on Jan. 2 during their Christmas break to begin putting all the pieces together,” added Theresa Alvarez-Diaz, new director of development. The $75,000 project was made possible by a $25,000 donation from Versacare along with significant contributions from faculty members and friends. The manufacturer, Great Western, also provided a matching grant of $31,938.

In other news, the rebuilt Calexico campus gained much-needed open space through the demolition efforts of John and Susanna Simpson, retired lay members from Montana. For several months, they lived on the school grounds in their motor home. With rented equipment, they knocked down the old administration building plus four classrooms and two bathrooms.

“The Simpson’s work saved the school and conference many thousands of dollars,” said Tom Staples, treasurer. They also helped set up the playground equipment.