Playground Surface Project
For years, the playground at Sara’s Garden and New Horizons Academy has been a place of laughter, growth, and inclusion — a space where children of all abilities could play, explore, and connect. Unfortunately, due to instances of vandalism and misuse over the years, the playground surface and several pieces of equipment have sustained significant damage. A while back, we made the difficult decision to close the playground to the public until essential repairs and resurfacing could be completed to ensure the no further damage occur.
The playground’s poured-in-place rubber surface, originally installed to provide a safe and fully handicap-accessible play environment, was a major investment in inclusion. When first constructed, the cost to install this specialized surface was just over $150,000. Today, due to rising material and labor costs, resurfacing the playground will exceed $300,000 — whether we choose to reinstall a poured-in-place rubber surface or transition to a high-quality artificial turf system designed for accessibility and durability.
The good news is that donors have already stepped forward in a powerful way. Through generous donations and dedicated fundraising efforts, we have raised nearly half of the funds needed to complete this project. Our goal is to secure the remaining support and fully restore the playground by the start of the 2026–27 school year. Reopening this space will once again provide children with a safe, welcoming environment where everyone can participate fully, regardless of physical ability.
As we look to the future, we are also developing plans to reopen the playground to the public in a more structured way. By implementing controlled access and monitoring measures, we hope to protect this important community resource and prevent the vandalism and misuse that led to its closure. Our vision is not only to rebuild, but to preserve and safeguard the playground for generations of children to come.
We invite individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations to join us in making this vision a reality. Financial contributions of any size bring us closer to reopening this vital space. Just as importantly, sharing our mission, connecting us with potential sponsors, or encouraging local organizations to support the project can make a meaningful difference.
Together, we can restore a place where every child is welcomed, included, and free to play. Your generosity and advocacy will help ensure that this accessible playground continues to serve as a source of joy, growth, and community connection for years to come!
