Stockton Grade School is excited to share the completion of a new addition to our early childhood playground, a project made possible through the support of our staff, community partners, and generous donors.
The playground project began in January 2024 when the SGS Outdoor Learning Committee began reviewing the needs of our playground space. While the playground had received a few updates since its original construction in 1994, most additions had been gently used gifts from other settings, and no major planned upgrades had been completed since the original build.
Recognizing the importance of safe, engaging outdoor learning spaces for young children, the committee began planning improvements that would better serve our youngest learners.
Before making decisions about new equipment, the committee gathered input from students, staff, and community members through surveys to better understand what features would be most meaningful for children and families.
Our outdoor learning committee led this project:
- Christina Hamel
- Amanda Kreider
- Kari Becker
- Megan Riener
- Anne Williams
- Andrea Dix
- Stacey Green
- Michael Carpenter
Several former staff members also contributed their time and ideas to the early stages of the project, including Martha Fleck, Deirdra Kuhlmann, Laura Moffet, Alexa Rogers, and Stephanie Niblock.
Committee members worked together to select playground equipment that would support developmentally appropriate play for young learners. The new equipment includes:
- PlaySense 2–5 play structure
- Welcome sign
- Freestanding crawl-through hole
- Cozy dome
- Rubber mulch safety surfacing
The equipment specifically targets children ages 2–5, providing safe and engaging opportunities for movement, exploration, and imaginative play.
Community support played a significant role in making the project possible. The total cost of the new playground addition was $53,405.35. In addition, the removal of the previous equipment was completed through the generous donation of time and effort by staff members, board members, community members, and even students.
Funding for the project came from several generous gifts and fundraising efforts, including:
Community Gifts and Grants
- Linda Krysl – $1,500
- Anderson Fund – $7,500
- Heartland Grant – $7,500
- USD 271 Capital Outlay Fund – $15,000
School Fundraisers
- Riffel Beef Raffle – $3,500
- Wrapping Lockers Fundraiser – $1,200
In addition, SGS recently received $17,000 from the Stockton Endowment Association, which will help support continued improvements to the playground and outdoor learning space. The school is also anticipating one final gift that will further contribute to the project.
The completion of this phase marks an exciting step forward for our school, but planning is already underway for phase 2, which will include replacement of swings and a new teeter-totter.
Projects like this reflect the strong partnerships that exist within the Stockton community. When staff, families, local organizations, and community members work together, meaningful improvements for students become possible.
Stockton Grade School extends sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed time, resources, and support to this project. Because of you, our youngest learners now have an engaging outdoor space designed just for them.
