A new 'Aikahi Elementary School playground, designed by its students, will feature about 32 different elements, including a volcano, turtle tunnel and shark slide.

The students met with a park designer this month and the outcome is posted on the playground Web site at www.aikahiplayground.org.

Construction for the playground is set for January. Parents, community groups and children will build it under the supervision of Leathers Associates, a playground design company.

Parents and students are raising money to finance the project. Their goal is $150,000. To help, visit the Web site for more information.

NATURE CENTER WORKSHOP NOV. 8

The Hawai'i Nature Center in Maui's 'Iao Valley is offering a free Project WILD Aquatic Teacher workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8.

Project WILD's mission is to provide wildlife-based conservation and environmental education that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and related natural resources, according to a center announcement.

The workshop includes hands-on activities and presentations by Bishop Museum staff member Tom Cummings and others. Participants will receive the Project WILD Aquatic K-12 Curriculum and Activity Guide.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided. The center has rustic, overnight facilities available free of charge to off-island workshop participants.

The workshop is supported by the Atherton Family Foundation, the state Department of Health's Safe Drinking Water Branch and the Environmental Protection Agency.

For registration and more information, contact Denby Freeland-Cole at denby@hawaiinaturecenter.org or call 280-0415.

PARKER SCHOOL MADE A DIFFERENCE

Students at the Big Island's Parker School took part in Make a Difference Day again this year, cleaning churches, making gifts for hospice, clearing pathways and parkways and doing their best to make a difference in Waimea.

The day was coordinated by Gillian Culff, student council adviser.

A total of 14 groups of students traveled to various locations throughout Waimea ranging from Tutu's House to Waimea Nature Park. Some students offered a free car wash to the community, while others helped with landscaping for the Trails and Greenways Project.

"For me, the most exciting moment of this year's day was walking through Waimea Nature Park, where a group was working on clearing cane grass and weeding plants, and seeing an area of flourishing trees and shrubs that our students had planted about three or four years ago. It demonstrated the lasting impact they have already made," said Culff.