Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.

Fred Rogers

$46,397.28 of $200,000* raised

At TVA we believe that play is important. A properly designed playground allows students to develop fine and gross motor skills, social skills, and so much more.

We are renovating our playground, and we need your help! Please help us raise the funds necessary to pay for this project.

*The school has set aside some reserve funds to go towards the $200,000, which are not reflected in the total amount raised. However, whenever we can raise enough funds to not use our reserves we prefer to do so as we save those funds for large, urgent, unexpected projects.

About the playground project

How we designed the playground 

• We took into account feedback from students, parents, teachers, and playground experts. We also visited several local playgrounds and observed how kids of varying ages played on them and what equipment they liked best. 

• We chose equipment that gradually increases in complexity so that students are challenged in new ways as they grow. 

• We chose equipment that will meet the domains of play - swinging, spinning, sliding, brachiating (swinging by their arms), climbing, and balancing. 

• We incorporated equipment that allows for individual and collaborative play to meet social needs. 

• We accommodated preschool regulations regarding play equipment. 

• We positioned the equipment so that we can add more in the future if there are funds available. 

• We kept cost and equipment longevity in mind. 

Play Equipment

• 4 swing bays (8 swings) - this doubles our current swing capacity

• 1 large play structure with balancing, climbing, overhead bars, two different slides, and the shapes in the clouds cast shadows when it is sunny

• 1 4-person we-saw (see-saw) for collaborative play

• 1 seated spinner for collaborative play

• 1 disc swing for collaborative play

• 2 small standing spinners for individual or collaborative play

• 1 large standing spinner for collaborative play

We are keeping the overhead bars (monkey bars) already on the playground and will be removing the existing swings, spinner, and climbing wall. It was more cost effective to replace the swings and small items than to move them. 

Cost

The playground renovation will cost just under $200,000. While this seems like a large amount, it is modest for a commercial playground of this size. 

Tuition does not cover projects like this one. This year our fun run and color battle funds raised will go towards the playground. While it might seem like a project that impacts only elementary students, a nice playground will draw students, which will benefit the entire school. We are also actively pursuing grant funding. 

Please consider donating to this project. You can donate through the fun run and color battle, you can donate directly at the link above, or you can bring a check or cash to the office. One hundred percent of any funds received via the link (minus credit card fees) or by check or cash to the office will go to this project. Any amount is helpful. If you would like to donate toward a specific piece of equipment, let us know. Prices range from $2,505 for a small spinner to $68,845 for the play structure, not including shipping or installation. 

Thank you for your prayers, your patience, and for your support as we have moved through this project. We are excited to see the end result!