by Ashley Wilson

ASHEVILLE – Seth Olson was always playing. As remembered by students, teachers and parents at Isaac Dickson Elementary, the 22-year-old kindergarten teacher had the heart and soul of a child, and he could frequently be seen traveling the school’s hallways with small children hanging from his limbs.

More than two years ago, Olson died suddenly in his sleep of a heart virus. The school community has since raised more than $75,000 to build Seth’s Playground at the school in his honor. Last weekend, 20 parents and teachers joined in the construction of the playground, which will be ready for children in about two weeks.

“I just think it’s fitting for someone who loved to play as much as he did,” said Susan Shillcock, Olson’s mom, who also teaches at Isaac Dickson Elementary. “The last time we were together at the school was playing on the kids’ playground.”

Complete with a climbing wall, swings, slide and large playing field, the new playground will finally give students in kindergarten through second grade their own place to play, instead of sharing space with the older kids.