A maze of ropes and ladders were no match for the students at Cooper’s Poynt Family School.

Within seconds of rushing the school’s new playground, a few students had already reached the top of the jungle gym. Below, their classmates laughed and giggled as they swung from the jungle gym ropes. Others, opting to stay closer to the ground, were happily dizzy from the playground’s new spin wheels.

On Monday, the Cooper’s Poynt Family School celebrated the opening of its new playground, much to the delight of its students.

“This means a lot to me because it makes me love school more than I already do,” said Serenity Delgado, a sixth grader at Cooper’s Poynt Family School. “This playground makes me look at learning in a whole new way, especially the outdoor classroom.”

“It’s a fact when asphalt school yards become vibrant parks, students can learn, play and better connect with each other,” said Mayor Frank Moran.

Monday’s unveiling was just the first phase of a complete renovation of its school yard from a barren black top into an educational green space  — an amenity that city officials hope will not only help address flooding, but also provide equitable park access to Camden residents.

Over the summer, rain gardens will be installed along the school’s fence line of State Street and 3rd Street, along with an outdoor classroom and two basketball courts. The project is the result of a partnership between the City of Camden, the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority [CCMUA], KOMPAN and The Trust For Public Land.