Westfield Foundation Gives $50,000 to Lincoln School Playground Project
The Westfield Foundation recently had the pleasure of touring the playgrounds at Lincoln School where upcoming enhancements will include the installation of six pieces of accessible equipment and surfacing.
The accessible equipment and surfacing will improve the recess experience by allowing children of all abilities to engage with their classmates and friends in a more inclusive environment. The playgrounds are a quintessential part of Westfield, so these ADA enhancements will benefit the broader community in addition to the ~300 Pre-K and Kindergarten students at Lincoln School.
Over the past eight months, the Project Playground PTO committee has raised over $128,000 from approximately 200 donors. The Westfield Foundation was one the founding supporters of the project by awarding the Lincoln School PTO a $50,000 grant, which is their largest, single contribution to date.
Erica Witte, Chair of Project Playground noted, “The Foundation’s contribution accelerated all aspects of the project. It not only inspired our committee but also affirmed that we could reach our goal; we could change this space for the better and create an inclusive play area for all children. What was initially just a hopeful idea quickly became a very tangible and exciting reality.”
Project Playground has truly brought the Westfield Community together. One recent example is the work by the Project Playground Young Designers, six Westfield High School students, who are creating communication boards and inclusive signage to be featured on the two playgrounds. Communication boards display symbols enabling children with limited language skills to express themselves.
“We are extremely proud to play an integral role in this collaborative effort. To know the equipment we granted to Westfield High School’s Innovation Lab is being used to enhance our community in such a meaningful and inclusive way just reinforces our mission and role within the community,” said Executive Director Katie Darcy.
The installation of the new equipment is scheduled to begin in mid-September. The committee is still raising funds for additional, accessible surfacing and a canopy shade. To donate, visit https://lincolneccpto.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/37479811
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held in the fall. More details will be shared closer to this date.
Read the original post here.