About 270 students at SouthLake Christian Academy in Huntersville will start the school year on a brand-new playground after the private school completed construction and held a dedication ceremony July 20.

The playground, built on the school's 30-acre campus at 13820 Hagers Ferry Road, features two large play structures, turfed areas for sports, a music area and a quiet rock area where younger students can decompress. The structures use natural colors, according to Lake Norman Publications, which first reported the project's completion.

Board of Trustees member Kim Sailors spearheaded the effort. Funding came from a mix of community donations and the school's capital improvement funds. The total project cost has not been disclosed.

"This playground stands as a tangible reminder of what can be accomplished when our community comes together in support of Christ-centered education," Lisa McConnell, the school's director of marketing and communications, said in a statement.

SouthLake Church was among the community partners acknowledged at the dedication.

The playground serves students in junior kindergarten through fourth grade, the academy's Lower School division. Head of School Scott Dillon and Lower School Principal Dr. Mark Apgar oversee the program, which is part of a school enrolling more than 640 students across grades JK through 12.

SouthLake's first day of school for the 2026-27 year is Monday, Aug. 17, less than four weeks after the ribbon was cut.