Thank you to everyone who participated in our first ever Party For The Playground! We raised nearly $10,000 towards PlayNW and had a BLAST doing it!
With special thanks to our Party For The Playground sponsors:
INTRODUCING...the PlayNW Concept Design!
Many months of meetings, research and planning has done into creating a vision for the PlayNW: Inclusive Playground Project. Thoughtfully created with the needs of our North Wales Elementary community in mind, the vision for the PlayNW large mulched playground was visually brought to life through these beautiful, custom sketches by Mackenzie Pluck, NWE '18.
Additionally, we have crafted a vision board for the PlayNW Sensory Garden to help our community members imagine what types of colors, textures, landscaping and engagement opportunities might be available in this space once the project is complete.
It is important to remember at this state that a concept design or vision board is just that, a concept. The sketch above and vision board below are meant to offer a simplified visual representation of what our future playground could look like upon completion of a successful campaign. At it's core, the design tells a story of the general types of equipment, and their placement, we might be able to install. It is not intended to be an exact replica of the final product and does not depict exact models or placement of equipment.
*Please note, these sketches include the large playground space and Sensory garden space only. In addition to these spaces, we also hope to renovate the small playground in future phases.
Ready to support the PlayNW campaign? Make a lasting impact on play in North Wales through your family's contribution today!
Why are we doing this?
Playgrounds play many important roles within a community. An improved playground at North Wales Elementary has the potential to transform opportunities for play and engagement for our entire town. Our current playground has not been updated in many years and no longer adequately serves the needs of our schools 450+ students and their families. It lacks the appropriate variety of equipment for our diverse population and some of the existing equipment has fallen into disrepair.
Consistent with North Penn’s 4 pillars, PlayNW seeks to re-imagine a playground that is a dest
A well-designed playground offers opportunities for not only healthy bodies but also healthy minds. On the surface, kids at play look, well like they are playing. Meanwhile, what’s happening beneath the surface of play promotes developmental benefits that will eventually help children become effective thinkers, leaders and collaborators.
Investing in a thoughtful playground vision is an investment in the health and well-being of our entire community. Continue reading below to learn more about the inherent benefits our community can experience from a transformed playground at North Wales.
Physical Health
Playgrounds not only promote gross motor development, but they improve critical thinking and problem solving skills, increase attention to lessons, and provide opportunities for creativity, social interaction, balance and overall physical fitness.
Mental Health
Playgrounds are a key factor in enabling the different types of play that support a child's cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development. The opportunity for free play on playgrounds is different from the structure of physical education classes or organized sports. The free play that intuitively happens on a playground allows children to choose how they play and explore according to their natural tendencies/ This practice supports focus, reduces stress and enhances creativity. Unstructured play also promotes critical development of leadership skills, problem-solving and managed risk-taking.
Health of a Community
Communities are diverse. Playgrounds should be, too. Active, independent play is critical to the health, well-being, and social opportunities of all kids. However, the benefits of play are not limited solely to children, but reach across communities throughout one’s lifespan. Although children are the primary user group of playgrounds, truly inclusive environments are designed with a broader multi-generational approach in mind, providing all people a place to play and recreate with friends, family and neighbors. An inclusive recreation space is one of the best things a neighborhood can do for its people.
Fundamentally, inclusively-designed environments are a statement about a community’s social values and every individual’s right to play. The goal of a properly renovated North Wales Elementary playground is to provide a year-round outdoor play destination, that includes new equipment, sensory opportunities, green spaces, increased seating, accessibility and more!
Make your lasting contribution towards play equity in our community today!
PlayNW FAQs
Why does NWE need playground improvements?
Transforming our elementary school playground is vital for fostering inclusivity and enhancing engagement among our diverse learners. Upgrading equipment and creating accessible spaces will ensure every child, regardless of ability, can play and learn together. It has been 20+ years since many of today’s current structures were installed. Some have fallen into disrepair and don’t meet the needs of today’s children. Families have expressed concerns about the safety and accessibility of the current playground.
What makes our playground special or different?
North Wales Elementary is the cornerstone of our community. Many of our families have called North Wales home for generations and we have a shared commitment to our children's growth. NWE is also one of the only true neighborhood schools in NPSD. Many of our students are walkers and families are seen playing here 7 days a week. This playground renovation isn't simply a recess upgrade; it's our chance to sculpt a lasting legacy for our entire community in our own backyard. Together, let's create an exceptional space that mirrors our unique spirit, elevates our children's learning and creates a gathering space for all. These renovations center community recreation, a year-round outdoor play destination, green spaces, and plant life, creating a sanctuary for our children to play and socialize.
What is an inclusive playground and why do we need one?
We have 450 students ranging in age from 5-13 with widely different preferences in how they engage socially with peers. Approximately 18% of students enrolled in NPSD participate in special education programs, including many neurodiverse students. An investment in age- and developmentally-appropriate play equipment that meet the many needs of our students outside the classroom has a direct impact on their ability to thrive within the classroom. Inclusive playgrounds ensure that all children having equal access to participate in play regardless of ability, age, or comfort-level. While children won't always be able to (or desire to) participate in every activity, the goal is to offer ALL students a variety of activities at varying levels to meet the physical, social emotional and sensory needs of our community as a whole.
How much will the improvements cost?
Thoughtfully designing and building new play structures to last the next 25+ years comes with a sizeable price tag. Our goal is to raise $300,000 for our playground improvements over the next 3 years and complete this whale of a project in phases so that our students can continue to reap the benefits of new structures along the way.
Will the district cover the cost?
In short, no, the North Penn School District will not cover the cost to fully renovate our playground. It is the nationwide norm that school districts lack the funding to be able to renovate playgrounds. Most schools in the US must raise funds through their Home & School organization, through donations and grants. That said, NPSD is currently assessing its elementary school playgrounds and may be able to provide some assistance. When, where and how much funding might be allocated to our school is TBD. We are in continued talks with NPSD and will continue to advocate for our students.
Then how will it be funded?
Members of the Playground Improvement Committee are seeking to fund this project through a combination of grants, corporate contributions, fundraisers and direct donations from our families and community members and neighboring businesses.
How much are families expected to contribute?
We are hoping that NWE family contributions will make up 20% of the total cost of the project. The goal is that families feel ownership and pride in the legacy of this project without also being overburdened by the enormity of the total cost. Our suggested donation of $300 per family would get us off to a great start with the hope that those who are able and willing, will give more as a lasting investment in our community that will benefit all North Wales students for years to come. No contribution is too small and all are appreciated. There is no requirement to participate. Click here to make your contribution today.
*As a reference point, a NWE student will enjoy outdoor recess upwards of 1200 times over their 7-year span at the school. A gift of $300 towards these improvements is just $0.25 a day.
Will we replace everything?
No. Our primary intent is not to replace cherished equipment, but to optimize the space for all kinds of play. While this may result in replacing some structures, the redesigned playground ensures more opportunities for students to have fun, challenge themselves and play with peers.
What is next for PlayNW?
Having completed Phase 1 of our planned improvements, we now set our sights on Phase 2 A: Sensory Garden. The vision for this one-of-a-kind space is to create an outdoor oasis. This area aims to be a reprieve, a calming environment with tactile experiences, flexible seating options, soothing colors and greenery. The space, complete with a custom, community-created mosaic mural, will be a multi-use gem of North Wales. It will offer much needed conversational space for our older students, a calming environment for our overstimulated students, and much more.
What is a sensory garden?
Sensory gardens are designated spaces intended to stimulate the senses. They offer unique, immersive and interactive opportunities with therapeutic benefits such as controlled sensory stimulation, safe exploration, and inclusion. Sensory gardens in educational environments like schools, can lower student stress levels, increase concentration in the classroom, support positive behavior development and foster emotional well-being.
What types of equipment are we hoping to purchase?
Imagine dynamic climbing structures that spark adventure, ground-level equipment for imaginative play, individual and group spinning elements and an immersive sensory experience. Our enhanced playground will be designed with all students in mind and will be the gem of the community!
Will we replace the wood chips with a better ground surface?
The current proposal calls for replacing apx. 1/3 of the large playground with a continuous rubber surface, called poured rubber. This is the industry standard as far as safety and accessibility. The groundcover for the remainder of the playground would remain wood chips, separated from the poured rubber by a winding ADA accessible concrete path.
How long with the project take?
A multi-phased project of this size will take time to fundraise. Our proposed timeline includes a 3-year, multi-phase plan with tangible improvements made along the way. Of course, the faster we are able to raise the capital needed, the sooner we can see the students and community members benefiting from it. Now is the time to leverage our community’s resources and connections and come together to advocate for our kids.
Will the small playground be renovated?
This current space is underutilized by students and the equipment is among the oldest at the school. If we are able to fully fund the proposed design, the small playground will be fully renovated and re-imagined. The proposed nature-based design, aims to create an enchanting space with logs, stumps, faux boulders, and more, fostering a serene environment for students to explore and discover. This multi-use space is intended to provide imaginative opportunities for our younger learners and a much needed social, conversational space for our older learners.
How can I help?
So glad you asked! Our community is always strengthened with your help, and this project is no different. To make a tax-deductible gift on behalf of your family, in honor of a former student, click here. To join the Playground Committee, or offer other forms of assistance, please e-mail playground@northwaleshsa.org. Skills and talents or all kinds are valuable to this project. Additionally, we would also strongly benefit from the expertise of a grant-writer and a website developer. If this is you, please contact us!
Have additional questions? Let us know by e-mailing playground@northwaleshsa.org.
