COEUR d'ALENE - Ask and you shall receive.

This was the lesson for five young Coeur d'Alene School District students who wrote a letter to the mayor and school superintendent requesting new playground equipment.

Their voices were heard. The city's Sunset Park on Best Avenue - where students who participate in the school district's Pathways program spend their recesses - now boasts a new funnel ball hoop.

"They really made it happen," said Melissa Mello, a teacher at the alternative, individualized learning program. "It is so powerful for these boys to see that they've effected change ... I'm really proud of them."

Mello said the project all came about last fall when she encouraged her students to create a substantial piece of writing. She posed the question, "What would make the playground better?" and the students' thoughts came flooding in. She said they initially had grand ideas to send to the president of the United States, but they brainstormed and were able to plan out how to more effectively and locally execute their request.

"I think it's cool for them, because so often these days people are emailing and texting," said Mello, who teaches first- through third-grade students. "This is an opportunity for them to experience writing a letter with a goal in mind and addressing an envelope. None of them knew how to address an envelope."

A hand-typed letter requesting monkey rings, crawl tunnels and swings was signed by the five students and sent in a hand-addressed envelope to then-mayor Sandi Bloem and school district Superintendent Matt Handelman. Handelman responded to the students' letter, letting them know he contacted Bryan Martin, the school district's director of maintenance. Since the city owns the park, the school district couldn't implement any changes, but through a collaborative effort, city workers were able to install equipment the school district had in storage.

"What a great accomplishment for students at this young age to write a letter to the mayor and school superintendent asking for playground equipment and then getting to see their words in action," Coeur d'Alene Parks Director Bill Greenwood said in a city press release. "It's a really cool thing for them to see that they really can make a difference."

Mello said she appreciates community leaders' positive responses and working together to make this happen, and how empowering it is for her students to see their ideas come to life.

"Once they're adults and they're members of the community, they know their voices can be heard," she said. "It's really cool for them to be positively recognized."

The equipment was installed this week. Coeur d'Alene School District spokeswoman Laura Rumpler said officials will continue to look at opportunities to improve and expand parks for student use.