Panther Valley Elementary students haven't had a playground for more than five years.

But the school's new principal is hoping to add one, using suggestions from parents, students and the community.Principal Robert Palazzo has invited the public to attend one of two planning meetings Thursday for the new playground. Meetings will be held at 1:30 and 6 p.m. in the elementary school library.Palazzo said that you don't have to be a parent of a Panther Valley Elementary student to attend."I want it to be open to the community and everybody invested," he said. "Bringing everybody to the table, not only school people, but community members, will make it a community playground."Teachers say that for the last eight years or so, students have had to hold recess without any playground equipment. Local companies have donated items such as basketballs and jump ropes, but there is still a lack of structured activities, Palazzo said.When he arrived at Panther Valley in January, Palazzo noticed that the school's yard was basically a parking lot, taken up by modular classrooms. Staff and students noticed as well. Palazzo said that he would like to give students more than 20 minutes outside each day."We'd love to see them stay out longer, get a little exercise, but with unstructured time, we're worried there will be more issues," Palazzo said.The school is trying to get a grant through KaBOOM!, a nonprofit that strives to give all kids a place to play, especially those living in poverty.Palazzo said he envisions a space that parents and children could enjoy, perhaps located in the front of the school to emphasize that it is for the community. But most of all, he wants the public to have their input."We want it to be a discussion, something that reflects everyone's vision," he said.Regardless of the grant, they are looking for volunteers, especially contractors and people with fundraising experience, to make the idea a reality.When the project is complete, he said, the benefits will carry over into the classroom as well."The hope is that they can run off some energy and return to class ready to learn," Palazzo said.Interested people who unable to attend the planning meeting should contact Palazzo at 570-669-9411, ext. 2000.