Lincoln Elementary is a school located in Springfield, Massachusetts. This is my third year teaching kindergarten at the school. Sadly, the school's playground was removed about two years ago due to unsafe and broken equipment. This means that my students, along with 400 other young people, have no playground.
Students, particularly the younger ones, suffer as a result of having no playscape. In one instance, I witnessed a student kicking an empty nip bottle around to have fun. Teachers have done their best to provide an outlet for movement. Out of pocket, we have purchased balls, jump ropes, frisbees, hula-hoops, chalk and other games for students to use outside. But what these children truly need is a playscape.
Sadly, with the way that schools are funded, the tax dollars in this neighborhood will not fund a new playground. The school also lacks a gym, so a playground is very important to keeping the children active. Our students deserve to have a safe playground. This would provide a great opportunity for imaginative play and safe movement. I think back on my own recesses in elementary school, and cannot imagine having no playground.
I know that this is a great deal of money. After looking into costs for the playscape and installation, this is actually on the low side. I am currently applying for grants, and other means of funding this project. I will continue to update this page as I hear back from different organizations.
Anything will help!
This is an example of a possible playground. At 50% off, this playscape has been quoted at $ 21, 805 (including shipping and installation).
Students, particularly the younger ones, suffer as a result of having no playscape. In one instance, I witnessed a student kicking an empty nip bottle around to have fun. Teachers have done their best to provide an outlet for movement. Out of pocket, we have purchased balls, jump ropes, frisbees, hula-hoops, chalk and other games for students to use outside. But what these children truly need is a playscape.
Sadly, with the way that schools are funded, the tax dollars in this neighborhood will not fund a new playground. The school also lacks a gym, so a playground is very important to keeping the children active. Our students deserve to have a safe playground. This would provide a great opportunity for imaginative play and safe movement. I think back on my own recesses in elementary school, and cannot imagine having no playground.
I know that this is a great deal of money. After looking into costs for the playscape and installation, this is actually on the low side. I am currently applying for grants, and other means of funding this project. I will continue to update this page as I hear back from different organizations.
Anything will help!
This is an example of a possible playground. At 50% off, this playscape has been quoted at $ 21, 805 (including shipping and installation).
Organizer and beneficiary
Mike Eaton
Beneficiary