WE'RE READY TO BUILD: NEW PLAYGROUND COMING TO SOUDERS IN MARCH 2019!

Souders Elementary PTO is pleased to announce that it has teamed with Bluegrass Recreational Products of Danville, Kentucky, for the purchase of a playground at Souders that allows students of all abilities to play, learn and grow together...and gives a nod to the Big Walnut community's proud agricultural heritage!  The playground's thoughtful design features durable Little Tikes Commercial brand components that enhance accessibility--such as poured rubber surfacing, ramps, transfer stations, sun protection and a reach play panel--as well as play components that embrace inclusion, including the Revolution Spinner, Colossus Triple Slide, Roller Slide and a double Tikes Peak Mountain Climber. The new playground will be constructed behind the school adjacent to the current playground, which will remain unchanged.

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WE NEED YOU FOR THE VOLUNTEER PLAYGROUND BUILD DURING SPRING BREAK, MARCH 22-29!

What is a "supervised community installation?"

PTO is proud to partner with Sunbury Big Walnut Kiwanis to plan a professionally supervised community installation of the new playground during Big Walnut Local School District's Spring Break in March. The installation will use volunteers from our school and community*, who will work with a Bluegrass Recreational Products representative and expert to ensure that the playground site is properly prepared and equipment is installed correctly and in compliance with industry safety guidelines. The supervised community installation saves the PTO money--approximately 25 percent of the total project cost--allowing us to dedicate more of the funds raised to playground features that have play value for all students. A community build also promotes a sense of camaraderie, ownership and pride among those who participate.  *IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to safety reasons, all children under the age of 18 are prohibited from attending or assisting with the playground installation.

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FUNDRAISING SUCCESS

The fundraising effort to build an accessible and inclusive playground at Souders achieved its $100,000 minimum goal during the summer of 2018, approximately six months after an official campaign kick-off. After careful research of playground equipment vendors, as well as playground features and their costs, the PTO chose to extend the window of fundraising to strive for a "stretch goal" of $135,000.  As of January 1, 2019, the project had raised more $130,000 in donations and grants.  With  the additional funds, the PTO is able to build a playground that offers more play opportunities to children with all types of ability within the school's always-growing student population.  On January 8, 2019, the Souders PTO Board and general membership both voted to approve a final playground design and its purchase.

 

THANK YOU, DONORS!

Thank you to everyone who donated and shared information about our endeavor with family and friends. Word spread about our mission, and we received contributions from across the country!  An official communication will be to our donors in January 2019 for tax purposes and to further extend our sentiments of gratitude.  Check out the OUR DONORS page to see our list of supporters. 

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I Haven't Donated...Can I Still Be A Part Of This Important Legacy?

 

YES! Here ways you can help:

• There still is time to donate and purchase an engraved brick or tile that will be permanently placed near the new playground. Funds earned after the playground purchase will be placed in a long-term maintenance fund that will allow Souders Elementary PTO to properly care for the playground and the rubber surfacing, so it can be enjoyed for generations. To donate and/or purchase a personalized brick or tile, click here.

• We also are looking for volunteers  experienced in construction and related fields willing to donate time and expertise for playground site preparation, as well as contribute in-kind donations such as concrete, equipment and other supplies needed for the playground's construction.  Please contact us at sbwkiwanis@gmail.com if you would like to help!