Thanks to the generosity of a group of PTA parents, and one Seattle based artists and father, life is a little more colorful for one group of Challenger Elementary School students.

Last summer a superfluous kindergarten play area was dismantled and converted into a secure play and activity area for Challenger students with special needs. Before the students could really enjoy their new hangout, however, it really needed a facelift.

“The walls were grey, and pretty bleak,” said PTA President Judy Babb. “We thought ‘this place needs some color.’ I didn’t really know where to start looking to make something like that happen, so I just went to the phone book, and looked up ‘mural artist.’”

Babb’s good fortune put her in touch with Seattle-based artist Andy Eccleshall.

Concerned that the PTA-raised funds wouldn’t quite stretch far enough to complete the job, Babb told Eccleshall that they hadn’t much of a budget.

“He said, ‘don’t worry about it. Whatever it costs, I’ll pay for the extra,’ Babb recalled.

For Eccleshall, the project was more than just another job – he too has a child with special needs, a young boy born with Brittle Bone Syndrome.

Late in May, Eccleshall worked all weekend, and when he emerged, the play area was awash with color and life.

Now this special group of students has a great new spot to play, learn, and be safe.