Overview

Laurel Ridge Elementary School is bringing a brand new, inclusive playground to our campus and we invite you to help make it happen!

Our current playground is more than 20 years old and does not meet current ADA requirements.  Rather than spend funds to bring an old playground into compliance (which still would not make the playground truly accessible to all students), we are raising funds to replace the playground with one that is all inclusive and will allow children of all abilities to play together. Students with physical and developmental challenges should be able to play and have fun right alongside everyone else.  No child should ever have to stay outside the gates and wait while their friends enjoy the fun. 

LRES is growing every year and our playground equipment has taken a beating, so now is the time to plan for our future.  A high quality, modern playground doesn't only benefit our students, but our greater Kings Park West neighborhood as well.  Hundreds of families have grown up on our playground.  In the evenings and on weekends the space is frequented by grandparents bringing their little ones to play and young families spending time together.  Working together, we can make sure this vital community resource stays the gem of our neighborhood. 

Our new playground will feature modern climbing, balance and stability equipment designed to challenge kids of all abilities. Some of the most exciting features are the ramps and rubberized entryway for mobility device accessibility.  Activity and music making stations line the structure, allowing for game play and motor skill development. Shaded areas are built into the design underneath the elevated features for quiet breaks and pretend play. Our current bank of swings is in great condition and will be left as is, but accessible swings will also be added.  Additionally, the second area of primary colored climbing equipment behind the current playground will remain unchanged, as it is newer than our original playground. 

The Lions Play With Pride campaign is led by a team of parents, school administrators, teachers, students, and neighborhood citizens.  We welcome your questions and input and are always looking for volunteers to help with events and facilitate new donations. 

A gift to a public school is tax-deductible, but you should always consult with your own tax professional to evaluate your personal situation. 

Projected phases of completion –

Phase 1 – (Summer 2017) demolition of old playground structure, installation of main structure of playground and accessible swings

Phase 2 – (Summer 2018) addition of stand-alone play station(s) and rubber flooring

Required Funding: 

Phase 1 - $215,000 (COMPLETED)

• $170,000 to be provided by Fairfax County Public Schools
• $45,000 to be raised by LRES community

Phase 2 - $45,000 (April 2017 - June 2018)

• raised entirely by LRES community

We have split our two year fundraising campaign into two phases, each $45,000. Please help us reach our $90,000 goal!  Giving through this Edbacker site allows our school staff the ease of centralized accounting and automatic gift acknowledgement.  You may also donate by check or cash sent to our school office. 

Thank you for supporting the LRES Lions and our community!