Butler Area School District superintendent Brian White swings at Emily Brittain Elementary School’s playground Monday, Aug. 17. Sol McCormick/Butler Eagle

As Emily Brittain Elementary School’s playground held its grand opening, the laughs and squeals of children playing could be heard.

Butler Area School District hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the playground Monday afternoon, Aug. 17. The event was attended by dozens of children and parents, the district’s school board, county commissioners and more.

School principal Josh Hundertmark said the playground has been open for students since October, but Monday’s event marks the completion of work and serves as a way to recognize donors and partners.

As Emily Brittain hosts the autistic support classroom for the elementary students of the district, he highlighted the playground’s sensory activities, such as drums and chimes.

“In addition to (improved) safety, we wanted to create an inclusive playground,” he said.

Hundertmark added the playground in its current state only represents the first phase of the project. A second phase is planned for construction in the coming years.

Jonah Pacileo, left, and Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche play music at a xylophone on Emily Brittain Elementary School’s playground on Monday, Aug. 17. Sol McCormick/Butler Eagle

Slides make up one part of the newly finished Emily Brittain Elementary School playground on Monday, Aug. 17. Sol McCormick/Butler Eagle

Drums for sensory play make up one part of the newly finished Emily Brittain Elementary School playground on Monday, Aug. 17. Sol McCormick/Butler Eagle

Emily Brittain Elementary School principal Josh Hundertmark cuts a ribbon to formally open the playground on Monday, Aug. 17. Sol McCormick/Butler Eagle

Jonah Pacileo, left, and Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche play music on the chimes at Emily Brittain Elementary School’s playground on Monday, Aug. 17. Sol McCormick/Butler Eagle

A spinning chair is seen on the newly finished Emily Brittain Elementary School playground on Monday, Aug. 17. Sol McCormick/Butler Eagle

A gaga ball pit is seen on the newly finished Emily Brittain Elementary School playground on Monday, Aug. 17. Sol McCormick/Butler Eagle

A sign at Emily Brittain Elementary School’s playground on Monday, Aug. 17, depicts a mock-up of what a Phase 2 for the project may look like. Sol McCormick/Butler Eagle