Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy celebrated its new kindergarten playground on Friday, December 8, 2006, with appearances by Harlem Globetrotter Legend Curly Neal and the Air Force Academy Falcon mascot. The event included a ribbon pulling by the public charter school's 107 kindergarten students, and appreciation to parent volunteer playground builders and financial and in-kind supporters. Original Harlem Globetrotter Curly Neal autographed photographs and shared basketball spinning skills and tricks with more than 300 students, parents, and staff attending the event. The Air Force Academy Falcon mascot welcomed students to the new playground and distributed AFA door prizes.

CMCA is a Cheyenne Mountain District 12 public school located in the Southgate area of Colorado Springs. As part of the school's ten-year plan, it is currently adding a grade a year until it serves children from kindergarten through 12th grade. To accommodate this growth, CMCA acquired space for kindergarten students in a shopping center building across from the elementary school building. The distance and busy parking lot between the buildings made it impractical for the kindergarten students to access the elementary playground. These five- and six-year-old children now enjoy their new playground that is closer to the kindergarten building with equipment meeting international safety standards. The playground provides CMCA's young students with a safer and more stimulating environment used between their academic learning sessions.

CMCA's mission is to help guide students in the development of their character and academic potential through academically rigorous, content-rich educational programs. In pursuit of this, the school has become one of the top performing schools in Colorado.

Key sponsors of the playground installation and celebration were CMCA, CMCA Parent Network, Pro Sports MVP, Air Force Academy, Otho's Gourmet Cookies and Brownies, Mama Trino's Pizzeria, Hill Dentistry, and school parents. Playground donations are still being accepted. If you are interested in a tax-deductible contribution or for more information, please contact CMCA at 471-1999.