What are we doing?

The Buckman Elementary School community is raising money to improve its outdoor play areas. The goal is to create more active, nature-based, and creative play areas that support the health and wellbeing of ALL Buckman students and neighboring families. 

Right now, we are launching Phase 2--creating a nature play area on the upper playground. We have over $65k raised, but we need at least $80k (and aiming for $90k in case something unforseen comes up) to realize our whole dream.

Help us reach our goal by becoming a sponsor!

Sponsorship Levels

Stage $8,000

Climbing Log $3,500

Rain Garden $3,000

Climbing Net $2,000

Bench $1,500

Willow Hut $500

Tree $300

Boulder $150

Garden Plant $30 

Take a look at the map of sponsorship options for a handy visual of how you can contribute!

Why do we want to change the playground?

The current play areas do not provide enough safe, open-ended play experiences for children with diverse needs. Existing play areas include:

• Unsafe or broken play structures;
• The field and lower playground are closed most of the school year due to rain and mud;
• Limited access to the natural materials and creative spaces that kids need to develop critical social, emotional, academic, and physical skills.
  

In response, the Buckman community is looking for support to turn the space into a neighborhood resource that encourages kids to be active, imaginative, and safe. By diversifying the play areas to include more nature-based, sensory, and imaginative play, the space will support ALL youth, especially those with special needs, to thrive.

How will we improve the playground?

The Buckman PTA and fourth grade classrooms worked closely with landscape architects from Learning Landscapes LLC to design the new playground. Check out our plan at: https://tinyurl.com/buckmanplaygroundconcept. 

The vision includes:

• Nature-based play area including logs and boulders to climb on, a stage and natural amphitheater for gathering and performances, and shady seating areas for kids, parents, and neighborsto enjoy (our focus right now);
• An “Enchanted Forest” where students can imagine new worlds amongst the trees (phase 3);
• Artfully painted game areas and a labyrinth on the blacktop to inspire kids to play their favorite games or make up new ones (done!);
• A safer lower play area where kids can climb, spin, swing, slide, and run year-round (phase 4);
  

How can you help?

• Make a donation here or send a check to Buckman Elementary PTA.
• Our first phase is complete support this 2nd phase.
• Contact pta@buckmanelementary.org if you want to give in-kind donation such as stumps, lumber, or simply donate your time to help build.
• Spread the word to friends, neighbors, and local businesses!