The community is invited to celebrate the first of seven groundbreakings for new playgrounds in 2002. The first will be at Smith Renaissance School of the Arts (3590 Jasmine St.) on Tuesday, March 5 at 10:00 a.m.

"The playground is a great source of pride for both students and staff that will benefit our children and community for years to come," said Principal Joyce Simmons. "The playground is designed to promote the physical development of our students within a learning environment that is aesthetically pleasing."

The new playground will include trees, equipment, educational opportunities, shade structures, and art elements. About 500 children at Smith will be able to enjoy the new playground set to be complete in four months.

Last year's "City 7" are still being completed. Cowell Elementary School (4540 W. 10th Ave.) will dedicate their new playground on Friday March 15 at 1:00 p.m.

The "City 7" playgrounds are funded through private and public donations including the Mayor's Office (Housing and Neighborhood Development Services), Denver Public Schools, Gates Family Foundation, Neighborhood Cultures of Denver and the University of Colorado at Denver (UCD). This years "City 7" include Smith, Colfax, Eagleton, Crofton, Columbian, Munroe, and Remington elementary Schools.